New Super-Realistic Vegan Steak Is Nearly Indistinguishable from Animal Meat
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These new plant-based steaks are nearly indistinguishable from animal meat. Complete with “blood” and fat, they are the creation of Project Eaden—a startup based in Berlin, Germany. The startup has raised over $10 million and plans to launch their exceptionally realistic vegan steak later this year.
Project Eaden uses fiber-spinning to create their steaks. This pre-existing technology is often used in the textile, aerospace, and IT industries. Project Eaden produces thin, thread-like plant-based protein fibers that mimic the taste and texture of animal meat. These fibers are then put through a machine that bunches the “threads” and vegetable fat into the finished product. Project Eaden co-founder Jan Wilmking said:
Our ultimate goal is to offer consumers a product that eliminates every single reason there is to eat animals. We intend to fully recreate and even improve on the sensory profile and the overall pleasure people experience when they eat meat.
Composed of engineers, food technologists, scientists, and culinary professionals, the startup believes their unique method for creating realistic plant-based meat can help change the world—and they may be on to something. Fiber-spinning is extremely scalable and can closely replicate animal meat because of its ability to fine-tune marbling and texture on a micrometer scale. Materials scientist David Schmelzeisen described this:
The major thing is texture. We create fibers which have several material components so that when you bite through each of the million fibers, you have this kind of bite resistance that real meat has when you chew it. It makes a real difference. We believe we have a unique chance to build an outstanding company, from a unique technology angle and to create something that is cool
The truth is, plant-based meat is on the rise! According to a new report by Future Market Insights, the global plant-based meat market is expected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2022 to $7.4 billion by the end of 2032.
Curious which vegan meats are leading the charge? Here are the fastest-growing vegan meats by product and type.