Imagine if we could brew animal fats like beer, using yeast instead of cows. This technology creates a lab-grown fat that looks, tastes, and melts just like the real thing, but without the animal. It's a way to make plant-based burgers and cheeses actually taste authentic without relying on heavy coconut oil.
Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives currently rely on oils like coconut oil that lack the flavor and functionality of animal fats. This creates a taste gap that prevents wider consumer adoption of sustainable proteins.
A scalable precision-fermentation platform using engineered yeasts to produce animal-like fats. The system includes a proprietary IP-protected process to tailor fat profiles.
If you are a plant-based meat manufacturer dealing with the poor flavor and texture of coconut oil — this project developed a precision-fermentation platform that produces animal-like fats with 40-60% saturated fat levels to impart a better taste.
If you are a vegan cheese producer dealing with functionality gaps in plant oils — this project developed customizable fats that mimic animal fat functionality to improve the mouthfeel of dairy analogues.
If you are a non-food ingredient developer dealing with the need for tailored lipid profiles — this project developed a proprietary technology platform using engineered yeasts to produce highly tailored fats for various applications.
Based on available project data, the company has achieved target strain and bioprocess KPIs ahead of schedule, which they state will translate to attractive unit economics at commercial scale.
Yes, the platform is designed to be scalable by utilizing existing and outsourced fermentation infrastructure, moving from pilot scale (TRL 5) toward demo scale (TRL 8).
The technology is protected by a robust IP strategy with 10 granted patents and 2 pending patents across 5 patent families.
The produced fats have lower saturated fat levels (40-60% compared to 90% in coconut oil) and offer superior functionality and flavor.
The project runs from 2025-01-01 to 2026-06-30, aiming to advance the technology from TRL 5 to TRL 8.
The project is led by a single Swedish SME, Melt&Marble AB, with a 100% industry ratio. This lean structure suggests a fast-track commercialization approach, leveraging a strong academic origin from Chalmers University of Technology and a focused IP portfolio of 12 total patents.
Contact Melt&Marble AB in Sweden
Contact us to explore licensing or partnership opportunities with this precision fermentation platform.
