Gill Einhorn
December 5, 2024
3D printed fish fillets that taste like the real thing and are good for the environment are being developed by Israeli start-up Steakholder Foods and Singapore-based Umami Meats.
The process starts with Umami extracting stem cells from grouper fish. These cells are then grown in a lab into muscle and fat. Steakholder Foods converts this into a "bio-ink" that is used in a special 3D printer to create the fillets.
The fillets are antibiotic-free and have a similar taste and flakiness to real fish. They are also good for the environment because they do not harm animals or strain fish stocks.
The product is still in the prototype stage, but tasters have praised its juiciness and realistic "buttery" texture. The team hopes to add three more endangered species to the process in the coming months.
The first products could be licensed for market in Singapore in 2024. The world is consuming more fish than ever, and 90% of the world's marine fish stocks are now fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted. Umami Meats has partnered with the World Economic Forum Protein Action Community to advance sustainable protein production and build a greener future.
Here's more about 3D printed eco-friendly food and how they are helping tackle climate change.
Gill Einhorn
December 5, 2024