California startup Savor aims to revolutionize food with lab-made butters

A California startup called Savor is shaking up the food industry with its audacious plan to produce butter from thin air. Savor utilizes a technology that transforms captured carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen into a spread that mimics the taste and texture of real butter.

Founded in San Jose in 2022, Savor boasts a team of passionate scientists and entrepreneurs on a mission to create a more sustainable and ethical food system. "We believe delicious food shouldn't come at the cost of our planet or animal welfare," says Kathleen Alexander, Savor's Chief Technology Officer. "Our technology offers a guilt-free alternative to traditional butter, with the same taste and functionality consumers love."

This innovative approach has attracted the attention of some heavy hitters. Bill Gates, a vocal advocate for sustainable food solutions, is a major investor in Savor. "Savor's technology has the potential to be a game-changer," Gates wrote in a recent blog post. "By offering delicious and sustainable alternatives, they can help us reduce our reliance on traditional agriculture and its environmental impact."

The environmental benefits of Savor's approach are undeniable. Traditional dairy farming is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 25 times the warming power of CO2. Plant-based alternatives, while addressing animal welfare concerns, often rely on large-scale farming of crops like soy and coconut, which can lead to deforestation and water resource depletion.

Savor's method bypasses these issues entirely. "We utilize captured CO2, a greenhouse gas, and transform it into a valuable resource," explains Dr Ian McKay, Savor's Chief Science Officer. "This not only reduces our reliance on animal agriculture but also helps mitigate the impact of CO2 emissions."

The exact details of Savor's thermochemical process remain a closely guarded secret. However, the company claims their butter alternative offers the same rich, delicious taste and functionality as dairy butter. Independent taste tests conducted by Savor reportedly yielded overwhelmingly positive results, with participants unable to distinguish their product from the real deal.

Savor's innovative approach has not only garnered industry recognition but also fueled significant investment.  In a recent funding round, the company secured an additional US$50 million, bringing their total funding to over US$83 million. This influx of capital will allow them to accelerate research and development, expand production capabilities, and prepare for a potential market launch within the next two years.

Beyond butter, Savor has ambitious plans to expand its technology to other fat-based products. "We envision a future where our technology offers a wide range of delicious and sustainable alternatives, from milk and ice cream to cheese and even meat," says Henrik Bennetsen, Savor's CEO. The company is actively exploring partnerships with major food manufacturers to bring these future products to market.

However, challenges remain. Consumer acceptance of lab-produced alternatives is still evolving. "There's definitely an 'ick factor' for some people when it comes to lab-grown food," admits Bennetsen. "But as consumers become more educated about the environmental impact of traditional options, we believe they'll be open to trying new solutions."

Ensuring the affordability and scalability of Savor's technology will also be crucial for its long-term success. "Currently, lab-grown alternatives can be expensive to produce," says Michael Clark, a food industry analyst. "Savor will need to demonstrate they can scale their production efficiently to bring costs down and make these products accessible to a wider range of consumers."

Despite these hurdles, Savor's innovation represents a significant step towards a more sustainable food system. With continued development, consumer buy-in, and strategic partnerships, Savor's lab-produced butter could soon be a staple on our kitchen shelves, offering a delicious and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional options.

The future of food may not involve cows grazing in meadows, but it can still be filled with the rich, satisfying flavors we know and love. Savor's mission is to prove that deliciousness and sustainability can go hand in hand, and their innovative approach to butter is just the beginning.