Are you fascinated by the idea of growing fish and seafood in vitro? It may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s becoming increasingly possible with the latest technological advancements. In this blog post, we’re exploring the top 5 projects leading the way in cultured fish and seafood products.
Finless Foods Project
The startup company specializes in growing tuna fish in artificial conditions. So we are not talking about a fish farm where the fish live in pens, but laboratory production. Essentially, the company plans to grow fish cells in test tubes, so they taste and feel like real tuna filets and steaks.
The company said that, at first, investors did not want to support the project. But now they see how important it is. With this process, we can grow any fish cell. Right now, the products are very expensive. But that will change as we produce more of them.
Startup Blue Nalu
Another company has already registered a patent for a unique cell cultivation method for fish products. Again, the project was appreciated by investors. In just one year, the company raised over $4.5 million.
The company plans to become the world leader in artificial fish production. They say that their technology will let them grow cells that are stable and will taste good. As a result, there will be no need for fish farms in the sea or ocean – only laboratory test tubes.
The meat of any Wild Type
Wild Type plans to produce meat from any test tube – fish, beef, pork, or chicken. The technology is universal and allows for cultivating animal cells very quickly. Initially, the company plans to create imitation fish for sushi and rolls. Raw salmon filets will be the same in texture and shape as the real thing.
Interestingly, the company also wants to deal with smoked fish. We will be able to find out very soon if this will become a reality. Many manufacturers note that growing fish and seafood in a test tube is much easier than animal meat. The texture of fish differs from complex chicken or beef.
Fish semi-finished products Bluu Seafood
The company is from Germany and started in 2020. They make food with fish that is not finished yet. No animals die during production, and all the seafood is fake and grown in a laboratory.
Many journalists and specialists have tried the prototypes of these new products, like fish sticks and meatballs made from artificial fish cells. These products also contain added protein and other useful substances. The company promises to release filets shortly.
Shiok Meats Project
Have you ever eaten crayfish meat that was grown in a laboratory? I haven’t, but a company in Singapore called Shiok Meats creates shrimp from the cells of real crustaceans. They use a special bioreactor to grow the shrimp, similar to a huge container where people grow beer or aged wine.
The crustacean cells are “boiled” in a special liquid full of nutrients. It takes several weeks to grow the meat. Once it is done, it tastes just like delicious minced shrimp.