Image via Shutterstock
Israeli company Redefine Meat has unveiled its latest technology that could soon make the “world’s first 3D-printed plant-based steak” a reality.
Using 3D-printing technology, the company is able to develop
various plant-based “inks” to create the meat substitute aptly called Alt-Steak. The printer uses three separate formulations—which the company labeled as Alt-Muscle, Alt-Fat, and Alt-Blood—to print the meat. These formulations are made from natural, sustainable, and widely-consumed plant-based ingredients, the company says.
Metro reported that the Alt-Steak looks, smells and tastes just like the real beef steak. The Alt-Steak is made of soy and pea proteins, coconut fat and sunflower oil, packed with natural colors and flavors.
It is also designed to replicate the muscle structure of beef, but because it is plant-based, it has no cholesterol.
Founded by CEO Eshchar Ben-Shitrit, Redefine Meat seeks to create a vegan meat alternative by using digital processes in order to reduce meat consumption and keep food waste at bay.
Redefine Meat states that it will be testing Alt-Steaks at select high-end restaurants later this year. After gathering feedback from chefs, the company will then increase the production of its 3D meat printers to distributors in 2021.
Ben-Shitrit shares, “Redefine Meat developed a unique 3D printing technology that the company uses to develop and manufacture Alt-Meat. The process brings together industry experience in food engineering and additive manufacturing with a digitally-driven machine – but that’s the only similarity to 3D printing.”
“The technology isn’t about creating shape, but actually creating a macro-structure that can combine a desired texture with a desired flavor, in addition to several other sensory parameters that are required,” he continues.
Ben-Shitrit says the company is committed to creating a tasty and affordable plant-based alternative to steaks.
[via
Reuters, opening image via
Shutterstock]