Video of raw meat ‘moving’ shocks viewers into going vegan

A viral video showing freshly cut meat “jumping” after being salted has left viewers horrified, with many claiming they’re ready to give up meat entirely. But the unsettling reaction has a scientific explanation.

A butcher, who had access to an extremely fresh cut of meat, demonstrated the bizarre phenomenon on camera. When salt was sprinkled over the meat, it began to spasm and pulsate, almost as if it were still alive.

The surprising reaction is caused by the residual nerve activity in the meat. Experts explain that freshly slaughtered meat can still contain live nerve endings, even after the central nervous system has stopped functioning. Salt triggers these nerve endings to fire, which causes the muscle fibers to contract and appear to “jump.”

Lv Suwen, an expert from a local animal health department, explained in a similar case back in 2015: “The central nervous system is dead, but the nerve endings in the muscles are still firing. This results in the jumping because the nerves are not yet dead. This will stop after a short time.”

Adding salt to freshly cut muscle causes it to spasm. pic.twitter.com/h5GAp3NJYj

— Weird and Terrifying (@weirdterrifying) January 9, 2023

In short, the meat isn’t alive—it’s simply a natural reaction caused by the freshness of the muscle tissue and the salt acting as a trigger.

Reactions online

The viral video, posted by the account Weird and Terrifying on X (formerly Twitter), shocked and disgusted viewers. Many commented that the sight of the pulsating meat was enough to reconsider their diets.

• One user wrote, “Well, this could make me give up eating meat.”
• Another said, “Planning a vegetarian diet from now on—that’s horrible!”
• A third admitted, “I could have done without this knowledge…”

Even long-time vegetarians and vegans chimed in, feeling validated in their choices. “Glad I gave up meat 21 years ago,” one commenter shared.

The video has since resurfaced, drawing millions of views and igniting discussions about our relationship with food and the realities of eating meat.

What does this mean for meat eaters?

While unsettling, the phenomenon highlights just how fresh the meat in the video was. For some, this stark reminder of where meat comes from is enough to reconsider their eating habits. Others, however, may see it as an interesting quirk of science and continue enjoying their steak as usual.

Adding salt to meat is a common culinary practice, but the video demonstrates how timing and freshness can create a reaction most don’t expect to witness.

The “jumping” meat video taps into larger questions about food, ethics, and our understanding of the food supply chain. Whether it inspires people to go vegan, like many commenters suggested, or simply fascinates viewers as a curious scientific reaction, it’s a reminder of the complex processes that occur before food reaches our plates.

So, does this make you think twice about eating meat—or are you brushing it off as another fascinating quirk of nature? Let us know your thoughts!