Steakholder Foods Expands Menu With 3D Printed Shrimp
Since we learned about the ability to buy 3D printed bacon in supermarkets last year, it has been clear that food 3D printing is ready to soar. What was once deemed unreliable for consumer applications has now become possible on an industrial scale. Driven by an escalating desire for plant-based alternatives to traditional meat or fish, propelled by health, ethical, and environmental considerations, 3D printing is increasingly standing out as an optimal solution to meet growing demand in a thriving market.
This has been shown most recently with Steakholder Foods, renowned for its proficiency in cultured meat and 3D printing technology. The company has recently extended its expertise, successfully developing the world’s very first plant-based 3D printed shrimp. Just days after achieving eel reproduction, the company has successfully tackled the task of replicating the distinctive flavor and texture of shrimp, a favorite food for many different cultures.
Steakholder Foods’ presents its plant-based, 3D-printed shrimps
The company strategically ventured into this sector due to its high profitability – an estimated market value of $60 billion. With a demand of approximately 7.6 million tons of shrimp harvested annually, the sector demonstrates consistently high demand. Given the premium pricing of shrimps, which typically ranges from $20 to $40 per kilo, Steakeholder Foods perceives this as a lucrative opportunity to introduce a more cost-effective and competitive alternative to the market.
The First 3D-Printed Plant-Based Shrimp
Steakholder Foods harnessed the power of its exclusive DropJet printer, specifically designed for the printing of fish and seafood, to intricately craft the world’s first plant-based 3D printed shrimp. Using a shrimp-flavored ink developed by its adept food technology team, the company has declared success in accurately reproducing both the texture and taste of authentic shrimp.
The process involves selecting and cultivating cells in growth tanks until they reach the stage where they can be transformed into ink. These shrimp will be available to consumers in two variants: fully plant-based or potentially hybrid, offering a unique blend of plant-based ingredients combined with cultured shrimp ink. Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder Foods, concluded,
By unveiling a second new species of plant-based, 3D-printed seafood this month, we expect to position Steakholder Foods to sell and deliver its first DropJet printer in 2024, offering partners and customers a unique opportunity to benefit from the expanding global seafood market, while making the right kind of impact on the environment.”
What do you think of Steakholder Foods’ 3D printed shrimp? Would you try it? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
*All Photo Credits: Steakholder Foods
