Synthetic beef has recently come to the public's attention with the publication of Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates' book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.

In his book, Gates lays out his theory on how to mitigate climate change and lists steps he believes the world should take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Gates, all rich countries should switch to 100% synthetic beef. This can be achieved, Gates suggests, through behavioral change or regulation.

But what is synthetic beef exactly? Often mistakenly grouped synonymously with cultured or cultivated beef, the term refers to 100% plant-based, often vegan-friendly meat substitute created to have a similar look, taste and texture as beef.