From Tofurky sausages to Gardein chicken to Daiya vegan cheese, plant-based meats and dairy products are quickly gaining popularity–and winning over the hearts and tastes of thousands. In fact, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, meat consumption nationwide has decreased 12% since 2007–and more people are searching for information on vegan eating.

Despite this progress, the majority of Americans continue to eat meat — so imagine the suffering that could be spared if this meat didn’t involve raising and then killing an actual animal? Sure, it may sound like science fiction, but growing meat from cells in a lab (referred to as in vitro meat) may be one way we can help save the lives of tens of billions of animals who are raised and killed for food each year across the globe.