10 lab-grown foods & where to find them

Lab-grown foods are stepping up as a futuristic fix to some very present-day problems. Whether it’s reducing the environmental toll of traditional farming, ending the reliance on mass animal agriculture, or just blowing the minds of food enthusiasts, these innovations are worth a closer look. Here’s a breakdown of the most intriguing lab-grown foods, how they’re made, and where to find them.

1. Lab-grown beef

Made from cow cells grown in nutrient-rich cultures, lab-grown beef is here to transform the way we enjoy a classic burger. Companies like Mosa Meat are leading the charge, already crafting thousands of patties from the tiniest sample of cells. While these burgers aren’t hitting fast-food chains just yet, keep an eye on upcoming launches in high-end restaurants.

2. Cultured chicken

Cultured chicken is crafted by growing real chicken cells in bioreactors, and it’s as close to traditional chicken as science can get. Firms like Upside Foods and Good Meat have gained approval to produce and sell their lab-grown chicken in select locations, including the United States. Early tastings are already being served in exclusive restaurants like San Francisco’s Bar Crenn.

3. Lab-grown fish

Tired of overfishing and mercury concerns? Lab-grown fish is your answer. Created by companies like Finless Foods, these fillets are grown from fish cells in brewery-like environments. Keep an ear to the ground for restaurant debuts soon.

4. Cultured duck meat

For fans of tender duck meat, cultured duck is being perfected in labs using the same cell-culture techniques as beef and chicken. Memphis Meats is a pioneer in this area, ensuring you won’t need to pluck feathers to enjoy your Peking duck fix.

5. Synthetic milk

Think dairy without the cows. Companies like TurtleTree Labs use mammalian stem cells to produce milk proteins in the lab. Singapore is at the forefront of bringing these products to market, with hopes for international expansion soon.

6. Lab-grown seafood

Shrimp, crab, and lobster without nets or traps? It’s happening at BlueNalu. Lab-grown seafood is being developed to deliver the same flavors and textures as your favorite shellfish dishes. This sustainable approach could soon hit both high-end and casual dining spots.

7. Cultured eggs

Skip the chicken coop and go straight to the science. Cultured eggs replicate the proteins of traditional eggs, minus the farming. Early prototypes are making waves, with potential uses in baking, breakfast dishes, and more.

8. Lab-grown gelatin

Gelatin, a staple in gummies and desserts, is now being cultivated in labs without relying on animal by-products. Keep an eye on ethical and plant-based brands adopting this game-changing ingredient.

9. Synthetic wine

Love fine wine but hate the hefty price tags? Lab-made wine replicates the molecular structure of classic vintages without vineyards. Ava Winery is already working on bringing their affordable blends to shelves.

10. Artificial mayo and yoghurt

Using AI, companies like NotCo create molecularly identical versions of animal-based foods, replacing eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives. Their Not Mayo and Not Yoghurt products are already making a splash in supermarkets.

Wrapping up

Lab-grown foods are no longer a far-off fantasy—they’re a growing reality. From synthetic steaks to cell-cultured chicken nuggets, these innovations promise to reshape what and how we eat. Whether you’re curious about sustainability, ethics, or just the thrill of trying something new, keep these groundbreaking bites on your radar. The future of food is here, and it’s being made one cell at a time.