Blast From The Past: We posted a ‘novelty’ piece about 3D-printed foods many moons ago. And that was the last I thought I’d see of the concept in my lifetime. But now, it’s back. And 3D-printed Food is now a commercial reality!
A Steakholders-produced 3D-printed, plant-based, beef-like steak…
They call their company Steakholders Foods. And they make a machine that 3D Prints plant-based ‘meat’. Two machines, actually; one for ‘red’ meats and another for fish. I thought the story was a prank at first – so realistic are the photos of their ‘meats’. But a tour of their website confirmed they’re a real deal!
The Steakholder MX 200 3D Meat printer: Substantial, plant-based
fully-textured and structured ‘red-meat’ cuts at your fingertips…
Steakholders’ process employs a ‘bonded layers’ 3D deposition technique that the company credits with producing a superior product.
“Our meat production technology excels in replicating the authentic texture and appearance of trad-itional meat. Using precision layering techniques, we print plant-based meat that offers the same fibrous tenderness expected from high-quality cuts. This attention to authenticity ensures our prod-ucts meet the high standards of both chefs and consumers, making it an ideal choice for those seek-ing sustainable yet genuine meat alternatives.”
Enter, Perfecta
Steakholders has the machines. Perfecta Plant-Based Foods is using them. In fact, the company is already selling six different plant-based ‘meats’ at 31 stores across 10 New England states. They’re targeting the premium-cuts market space with Filet Mignon, Marbled Steak, Chicken Breast, Whitefish Patties and Salmon Patties. All plant-based.
Alas… For folks living elsewhere, Perfecta is not selling its ‘bold, innovative, compassionate‘ prod-ucts online. But if early adoption is any indication, they’ll be available on a wider basis soon.
My take
One of the big challenges to makers of meat alternatives – over an above making a product that will esthetically satisfy lovers of traditional meat – is the cost factor. Companies such as Impossible and Beyond have their own approaches to making ‘meat’ products that don’t involve killing animals. But their products have traditionally been selling at or above the prevailing retail pries for real meat. Perfecta’s offerings sell for around $10 per package. And that’s well below the going price for the traditional animal proteins they mimic.
And keep in mind that Perfecta is just the first company to market 3D-printed foods created by Steakholders’ machines. I expect there to be many more brands following in its footprints – and soon…
~ Maggie J.