Cultivated dinosaur meat hits the market in food tech first

Update: This was an April Fool’s Day joke.

In a groundbreaking alternative protein industry first, scientists at NeoCarnis have successfully cultivated real dinosaur meat from fossilised DNA.

Utilising advanced lab-grown meat technology, the genuine prehistoric protein was grown after scientists discovered and extracted usable DNA from a brontosaurus fossil, held in a Netherlands natural history museum.

The protein has been in secret development for several years and was finally launched onto supermarket shelves across Europe today, following novel food approvals last month.

Novel food approvals granted

Approvals in the US and other countries are currently in progress, NeoCarnis founder and CEO Jack Noake says.

Dubbed “the most exotic meat on the market”, a range of products including DinoBites and Jurassic Jerkies can now be found in some of Europe’s biggest retailers.

“Cultivated dinosaur meat is juicier than beef, leaner than chicken and has a distinct umami taste that makes it a perfect alternative in many dishes,” claims Noake.

Investment was received from several backers and banks, though Noake is preparing to take the company through a second funding round, to scale-up and launch production facilities in other target markets.

“Dinosaur meat doesn’t transport as well as more traditional options,” he explains. “Freezing it can damage the cell structure and impact taste, though we have come up with a system to limit this damage, product quality is better when it’s chilled only.”

Currently operating from a secret facility in Spain, Noake says there are plans to launch more manufacturing sites in Europe and further afield.

Healthy and planet-friendly meat

As well as its exotic unique selling point, Noake, who has a background working in food science and engineering for some of the world’s biggest food companies, says the product is better for the environment too.

“There are no farms, there’s no animal cruelty and the protein is also low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals, so it really does hit all the key metrics consumers are looking for. It’s the perfect meat product.”

However, critics have slammed the launch as “gruesome” and “horrific”, claiming it puts the traditional meat industry and livelihoods at risk. It was also argued NeoCarnis’ production processes go against the natural order.

“Dinosaurs are extinct for a reason,” says a European Meat Council spokesperson. “Extracting DNA and making meat from an animal that lived millions of years ago is irresponsible, especially as there is so much great, naturally-farmed produce in the EU.”