Beyond the plate: exploring next generation professionals’ views on cell-based meat

Purpose Cell-based meat is currently one of the most debated food sources of recent decades, as it involves cultivating animal-derived biological tissues in controlled environments. Opinions on this topic vary widely; some see this nutritional source as a strategy to address the sustainability challenges of the agri-food sector, while others perceive it as a potential negative impact on their culture and traditions. In this context, this study aimed to gather the opinions of Italian students engaged in animal production science studies to assess their viewpoints regarding socio-ethical, environmental, and economic dimensions since they represent the future generation of professionals and potential consumers. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the hybrid qualitative-quantitative method of Q-methodology was used. By leveraging the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches, Q-methodology provides a systematic method for examining interviewees’ subjectivity by gathering individuals’ points of view into clusters of opinions referred to as factors. Findings The analysis of the results revealed the existence of four distinct factors within the analyzed student population, highlighting the different viewpoints among a group of individuals pursuing the same course of study. Originality/value The results may provide additional insights into the debate on this topic and offer valuable information for policymakers regarding the discussion on novel foods, particularly cell-based meat, which still lacks a regulatory framework at the European Union level.