It's the future of milk, and there are no cows required.

Opalia Foods, a Canadian biotechnology company, has developed a process for creating milk without using dairy cows. The process begins with genetically engineering mammary cells, which are then grown in bioreactors. The end product is cell-based milk identical to traditional cow's milk in flavour and nutrition.

The benefits of cell-based milk are numerous. The process is sterile, so no bacteria are introduced into the milk; farmers and retailers can keep cell-based milk at shelf temperature for longer than conventional milk. Moreover, the process is much more efficient than traditional dairy farming. According to Opalia Foods, they will be able to achieve price parity with conventional milk at launch.

Convincing consumers of the safety and wholesomeness of cell-based milk may be the biggest challenge that Opalia Foods faces. However, with the support of the different regulatory bodies, they are confident that they will be able to ensure customers that their milk is 100% wholesome and safe.

The company is currently looking for food industry partners to help them accelerate their research and development to get their product to market as soon as possible. With the world in a state of climate urgency, Opalia Foods' cell-based milk may be the solution to reducing the food industry's impact on the planet.

FAQs about cell-based milk

What is cell-based milk?

Cell-based milk is a new and innovative way to produce milk without dairy cows. The process begins with genetically engineering mammary cells, which are then grown in bioreactors. The end product is cell-based milk identical to traditional cow's milk in flavour and nutrition. This new method of milk production has several potential advantages over conventional dairy farming. First, it eliminates the need for keeping and caring for dairy cows; this could reduce the amount of land needed for milk production and reduce the impact of dairy farming on the environment. In addition, cell-based milk is not subject to the same bacteria and pathogens that can contaminate traditional milk; this could potentially lead to a safer and healthier product for consumers. Finally, cell-based milk can be produced year-round, regardless of weather conditions or the availability of grazing land; this could lead to a more consistent and reliable supply of milk, both in terms of quantity and quality. Cell-based milk is an exciting new development in food production, and it has the potential to revolutionize the dairy industry.

How is cell-based milk made?

Cell-based milk is a new type of milk made using genetically engineered mammary cells. The cells are grown in bioreactors. The end product is milk identical to traditional cow's milk in flavour and nutrition. The process of making cell-based milk is still in the early stages, but it has the potential to be a more sustainable way of producing milk. No cows are required, and scientists can make the milk without antibiotics or growth hormones. In addition, cell-based milk can be tailored to have different fat levels and flavours. The potential applications of this technology are exciting, and cell-based milk could soon become a staple in the dairy aisle.

What are the benefits of cell-based milk?

Cell-based milk, also known as cultured milk or manufactured milk, is created by using cells from a cow to make milk in a lab; this process is often used for dairy products like cheese and yoghurt, but it can also produce milk. Cell-based milk has several potential benefits over traditional milk:

1. It is more efficient to produce.
2. Cell-based milk is not subject to the same variability as traditional milk, which can vary in quality due to factors like the health of the cows and the changing seasons.
3. Cell-based milk can be tailored to specific properties, such as a higher protein or a lower fat content.

While cell-based milk is unavailable on the commercial market, it promises a more efficient and consistent alternative to traditional dairy. 

Is cell-based milk safe?

Yes, cell-based milk is safe. With the support of the different regulatory bodies, Opalia Foods will be able to ensure customers that their milk is 100% wholesome and safe.

When will cell-based milk be available?

The company is currently looking for food industry partners to help them accelerate their research and development to get their product to market as soon as possible.

How will cell-based milk help the environment?

The dairy industry is one of the most significant contributors to environmental damage due to the high levels of methane emissions from cows and the enormous amount of land and water required to support livestock. However, cell-based milk presents a more sustainable alternative, as it does not require the rearing of cows or the use of large tracts of land. The production of cell-based milk also uses far less water than traditional dairy farming, making it a much more efficient process. In addition, cell-based milk products have a longer shelf life than their dairy counterparts, meaning less food waste. As the world looks for ways to reduce its environmental impact, cell-based milk presents a viable solution.

‍