Spanish company targets mass market with 3D printed “steaks”

The plant-based food industry will continue to grow in double digits in the foreseeable future.

At a time when demand for plant-based meat alternatives is growing, Barcelona-based startup Novameat is using 3D printing technology to produce vegetarian steaks and hopes they will reach the mass market next year.

Novameat plans to sell steaks directly to consumers and companies such as restaurants interested in producing plant-based meat, according to Alexander Campos, the company’s business development manager.

The Spanish company, which developed the technology in 2018, showed how its latest 3D printer produces food at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona.

“It didn’t taste like a traditional steak, but I was positively surprised because I didn’t expect the texture to be so good,” Ferran Gregory told Reuters after tasting one of the printed steaks at Novameat’s stand at the biggest event. for telecoms in the world.

The company uses 3D technology to test recipes by introducing ingredients through capsules because the process is cheaper than mass production, Campos explains.

When the model is considered successful, it can be produced on a larger scale in larger machines without the use of 3D technology, which can give up to 500 kg per hour. a product that mimics meat, he added.

The goal of the startup is to recreate the muscle fibers in animal meat, but using ingredients that are 100% plant-based. Campos predicts that the plant-based food industry will continue to grow in double digits in the foreseeable future.

The company also announced that it produces the product, which imitates meat, for environmental reasons.

“We are trying to replace animal meat with something that is better for the planet, for ourselves and for the animals,” says Campos.