Savor, a groundbreaking startup that has secured investment from billionaire Bill Gates, has recently announced the commercial launch of a revolutionary butter made entirely from carbon, without the need for plants or animals. This innovative butter replacement is designed to be a sustainable alternative to palm oil and other commonly used fats, all without the use of traditional agriculture methods. Restaurants and bakeries are among the first customers set to benefit from this groundbreaking product.
In addition to their carbon-based butter, Savor is also collaborating with multinational consumer packaged goods companies on ingredient innovation projects focused on customizable fats and oils. The startup is actively engaged in negotiations for joint development agreements with these partners, showcasing their commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the food industry.
Founded in 2022, Savor utilizes carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from water to produce fat molecules typically found in dairy products, meat, and vegetable oils. This innovative technology has the potential to replace a wide range of fats and oils used in industrial food production, offering a sustainable solution to palm oil, a major contributor to deforestation.
Kathleen Alexander, co-founder and CEO of Savor, expressed optimism about the impact the company can make on global sustainability efforts in the food industry. Savor’s method of producing fats and oils offers scalability and versatility, allowing for the creation of rich, delicious ingredients while achieving price parity with conventional fats more swiftly.
Savor has recently opened a pilot production facility in Batavia, Illinois, with the capacity to produce metric tons of fat starting this year. The company has also expanded its research and development capabilities at its San Jose, California headquarters. Additionally, Savor has received a self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe designation from the FDA, enabling the legal sale of their alternative fats in the U.S.
Bill Gates, a prominent supporter of Savor through Breakthrough Energy Ventures, emphasized the importance of developing alternative and sustainable ingredients that are cost-competitive with animal fats. Gates expressed confidence in Savor’s success, noting that the production process is environmentally friendly and yields a product that tastes as good as traditional fats.
Overall, Savor’s innovative approach to fat and oil production represents a significant step forward in sustainable food technology. By utilizing carbon to create plant and animal-free fats, Savor is paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and ethically conscious future in the food industry.
