The First 3D Printed Fish Filet Could Be Coming to the Dinner Table

Additive manufacturing has become increasing popular in the food sector in recent years. It has completely changed the way food of all kinds is produced and can be customized to meet specific consumer needs. This has now been demonstrated by Israeli food technology company Steakholder Foods, which, in collaboration with Singapore-based fish farming company Umami Meats, has officially produced the first 3D printed fish filet.

As you may know, to create 3D printed meat, cells are grown in the laboratory, taken and converted into muscle and fat. They are then 3D printed using a biological ink. In this case, the result is a fish filet that impressively mimics the characteristics of the real fish, a grouper, chosen as it is considered to be vulnerable and thus facing extinction in the world due to factors like overfishing. Indeed, though bioprinting is still relatively costly, it allows for a more sustainable and ethical production of food without the need to slaughter animals. It also offers a safer and healthier alternative to food, as the ingredients used in the organic coloring process and the production of the final product are strictly controlled.

The fish has already undergone taste testing in Israel (photo credits: Shlomi Arbiv)

The companies are apparently able to create a white filet with a texture, flavor and scales almost identical to a natural fish. Additionally, when it is subsequently fried and seasoned, it can hardly be distinguished, according to those who have already sampled the 3D printed fish filet in Israel. The researchers are currently working on two more filets, which will mimic again grouper as well as eel. They also hope to offer three more endangered fish species in the near future.