What is Synthetic Food?

With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, and the demand for protein set to double, food production must adapt to find new, sustainable ways to feed an extra 2 billion people – in a changing climate.  

With global food security becoming an increasingly urgent issue, synthetic foods are emerging as a potential solution to help bridge the gap between supply and demand.

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Synthetic food – also known as ‘artificial food’ – was originally developed by NASA to sustain astronauts on long-haul space missions. Today, it is produced in controlled conditions using chemical-based or synthetic growth mediums that provide the essential nutrients (such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats and salts) required for modern food processing. 

Thanks to advances in biotechnology and food science, synthetic foods can now closely mimic their traditional counterparts in taste, texture, and nutritional profile. This makes them appealing to consumers prioritising convenience, ethical choices, or specific dietary needs. 

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The global synthetic food market is projected to reach USD 21B by 2031, driven by sustainability concerns, changing dietary preferences, and supportive government policies. As manufacturing capacity scales and innovations accelerate, synthetic foods are positioned to become a central player in future food systems. 

Today, synthetic foods are primarily being used to support both convenience, and nutrition. Artificial food products can be manufactured to offer allergen-free options and precise nutritional compositions tailored to the dietary needs of specific consumer groups. 

Many synthetic foods are integrated into ready-to-eat meals, performance nutrition, and vegan or vegetarian options. For example, cultured meat (also called lab-grown meat) replicates the taste and texture of traditional meat while offering a sustainable alternative that appeals to vegetarians and flexitarians. Similarly, vegan cheese crafted without dairy ingredients offers a lactose-free option for suitable for cooking, baking, and snacking.  

Synthetic food is more than a dietary trend. It’s a transformation in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. As consumer acceptance grows and food tech matures, synthetic food’s role will continue to evolve in both mainstream and specialised markets.

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Synthetic food examples:

A growing number of synthetic and artificial foods are already available for commercial consumption. Designed to be both sustainable and functional, these products illustrate how synthetic food innovation is reshaping modern diets:

• Veggie meat burger: plant-based patties enhanced with synthetic flavours to mimic beef.
• Vegan cheese: dairy-free alternatives using synthetic proteins and fats.
• Cultured or ‘lab-grown’ meat: real meat grown from animal cells in bioreactors.
• Lab-grown ricotta and mozzarella cheese: cultured using precision fermentation.
• Meal replacement powders and bars: nutritionally complete options with synthetic vitamins and minerals.
• Artificial sweeteners: such as sucralose and aspartame, offering sugar alternatives.
• Synthetic flavours and colours: lab-derived compounds used widely in processed foods.  

As the synthetic food industry scales, several companies are leading the charge with biotech, synthetic biology, and precision fermentation solutions. Here are five innovators shaping the future of food:

1. Magic Valley  
Based in Australia, Magic Valley uses synthetic biology and food tech to create lab-grown proteins with a focus on health, sustainability, and ethical production. 
 
2. Mosa Meat  
UK-based Mosa Meat is a global leader in cultured meat, is using cellular agriculture to grow beef directly from animal cells. By eliminating the need for animal slaughter, they offer an ethical alternative for consumers who still want beef for its taste and nutritional value, but without the ethical and environmental considerations. 
 
3. Perfect Day 
Perfect Day is a biotechnology company that produces animal-free dairy products. Using precision fermentation, they create proteins identical to those in cow's milk, offering sustainable and ethical alternatives for dairy lovers without compromising on taste or nutrition. 
 
4. The Every Company  
The Every Company, formerly Clara Foods, specialises in animal-free egg proteins made via precision fermentation. They offer sustainable, ethical alternatives for those seeking animal-free ingredients for baking, sauces, and specialised nutrition. 
 
5. Impossible  
Impossible Foods uses synthetic biology to create realistic plant-based meat substitutes. With products like burgers and sausages, they mimic the taste and texture of animal meat, while reducing the environmental impact of traditional agriculture. 

Synthetic foods represent an exciting opportunity to enhance food security, reduce environmental impacts, and deliver tailored nutrition to global populations. With growing interest in sustainable agriculture, synthetic and artificial foods are poised to play a crucial role in feeding a growing planet.

From lab-grown beef to synthetic cheese, these innovations challenge how we define food – and unlock new frontiers in science, food ethics, and taste.