Forma Foods Leverages 3D Printing for Plant-Based Meat Production

Forma Foods, a startup incubated at Tecnologico de Monterrey, is transforming the food industry with its 3D printing technology to create plant-based meat alternatives. The company aims to offer a sustainable protein source by replicating the taste and texture of traditional meat.

Forma Foods uses a proprietary process called "chaotic printing" to create microstructures that mimic animal tissue. The technology is designed to produce plant-based versions of popular Mexican dishes like arrachera and carne al pastor, using ingredients such as pea protein, prebiotic fiber, and coconut oil to replicate muscle, connective tissue, and fat.

The company initially explored lab-grown meat but shifted focus to plant-based products due to the high costs of cultivating animal cells. Supported by research from Tec de Monterrey, MIT, and Harvard, Forma Foods developed 3D-printed vegetable pastes that are both affordable and scalable. 

Forma Foods has secured financial backing from Tec Ventures and Saya Bio and holds a patent for its specialized printhead, which was registered in 2019. The company's products cater to vegan consumers and those looking to reduce meat consumption for ethical, health, or environmental reasons. Chef Rodrigo Rivera, a Michelin-starred chef, has already requested a custom-shaped version of their beet-based product, demonstrating the growing interest from the restaurant industry.

As Forma Foods looks ahead, its innovations could contribute to global food security by providing a sustainable alternative to traditional meat. The company’s technology has the potential to reduce methane emissions, water consumption, and the environmental impact of livestock farming, aligning with the need for more efficient food systems. "Ultimately, we want to push the boundaries of what's possible with innovative food technology," said Giselle Trujillo, CSO, Forma Foods.