Startup Creates World’s First 3D-Printed, Plant-Based Shrimp

An Israeli foodtech startup that produces meat alternatives has successfully 3D-printed the world’s first plant-based shrimp alternative. 

Steakholder Foods, which is headquartered in Rehovot, creates plant-based 3D-printed meat that closely mimics the taste, texture and appearance of traditional meat.

The plant-based shrimp were produced using the company’s proprietary DropJet bioprinter, which is designed to print seafood and fish, using its own shrimp-flavored ink.  

Currently, the shrimp market is worth more than $60 billion per year and growing. In 2023 alone, more than seven million tons of the crustacean were harvested from shrimp farms. 

To find a better and more sustainable solution, Steakholder Foods aims to produce high volume and efficient 3D-printed shrimp to meet the growing demand.  

“By unveiling a second new species of plant-based, 3D-printed seafood this month, we expect to position Steakholder Foods to sell and deliver its first DropJet printer in 2024,” said the company’s CEO Arik Kaufman.

“Offering partners and customers a unique opportunity to benefit from the expanding global seafood market, while making the right kind of impact on the environment,” he said.