Israeli company announced that it has developed a 3D printed grouper fish fillet from stem cells, which are then processed via bioprinting technology into a fish-like shape.

Stakeholder Foods, in conjunction with Umami Meats, has created a method of 3D bioprinting your very own ‘fresh’ fish, which, it says, mimics the taste and texture of natural fish and will be ready for cooking immediately.

According to the company, new product could hit the supermarket shelves later this year.

“In the coming months, we intend to announce our plans for bringing this world-class cultivated fish to the market,” said Mihir Pershad, CEO of Umami Meats at a tasting event in Israel last week.

“In the first tasting, we showcased a cultivated product that flakes, tastes and melts in your mouth exactly like excellent fish should,” he explained.

The grouper fish fillets are created by combining fish stem cells with various nutrients, which are subsequently processed into bio-inks and then into a printer. The process of printing takes just a few minutes, and the product can then be immediately cooked and eaten.

Stakeholders are also working to create entire cuts of 3D-printed meat, including steaks and other seafood like eel. In 2020, the fast-food giant KFC partnered with a Russian bioprinting company to produce artificial chicken nuggets.

New technology could have numerous benefits, particularly as it pertains to food scarcity.

Additionally, biologically engineered fish is free from pollutants such as microplastics, which might affect traditionally harvested seafood stocks.