Nestlé explores emerging technologies for cultured meat

Nestlé is closely monitoring scientific trends and exploring emerging technologies to understand the potential of future meat alternatives. The company evaluates innovative technologies to produce cultured meat or cultured-meat ingredients with several external partners and start-ups. Such novel technologies can lead to more environmentally friendly products.

For example, scientists at Nestlé Research in Lausanne are working with Future Meat Technologies, a leading cultured-meat start-up, to explore the potential of cultured-meat components that do not compromise on taste or sustainability. Future Meat Technologies' novel and cost-efficient proprietary technology can produce non-GMO cultured-meat components from animal cells, reducing the need for land and resources to raise animals.

Reinhard Behringer, head of the Nestlé Institute of Material Sciences at Nestlé Research, says, "For many years we have been investing in our protein expertise and the development of proprietary technologies for plant-based meat alternatives, allowing us to continuously expand our wide range of tasty and nutritious products with a lower environmental impact. To complement these efforts, we're also exploring technologies that could lead to animal-friendly alternatives that are nutritious, sustainable, and close to meat in terms of taste, flavor, and texture. We are excited to understand their potential."

People are increasingly reducing or eliminating animal products from their diet for many reasons, including animal welfare, health and wellness, and environmental concerns. This has led to the rapid growth of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. Providing people with delicious, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based products is a priority for Nestlé. Today, the company offers a wide range of meat and dairy alternatives suitable for flexitarians, vegans, vegetarians, and people with special dietary needs.

By exploring breakthrough technologies, Nestlé is showing a strong innovation drive and openness towards novel concepts. This will help the company continuously transform its portfolio with good products for people and the planet.