First Lab-Grown Whole Cow’s Milk To Debut In The U.S.

In a groundbreaking development for the dairy industry, Boston-based startup Brown Foods is set to introduce UnReal Milk, the world’s first lab-grown whole cow’s milk, entirely produced without cow involvement. This innovation signifies a crucial step toward sustainable food production, reducing the environmental impact traditionally associated with dairy farming.

Dairy farming is increasingly scrutinized for its environmental impact, consuming vast resources and emitting methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Brown Foods aims to tackle these challenges with UnReal Milk, offering a lower-carbon alternative that's cruelty-free.

UnReal Milk is produced using mammalian cell culture technology, mimicking the nutrition, taste, and texture of traditional dairy products. Brown Foods claims this approach cuts carbon emissions by 82%, water use by 90%, and land use by 95%, without the need for livestock.

Under the leadership of Co-founder and CEO Sohail Gupta, Brown Foods has made significant strides in achieving this vision. Founded in 2021 alongside Bhavna Tandon and Avhijeet Kapoor, the startup has attracted $2.36 million in seed funding from prominent investors such as Y Combinator and AgFunder.

With UnReal Milk undergoing lab validation and independent testing confirming the presence of essential dairy proteins, Brown Foods is moving toward commercialization. The company plans to conduct taste tests in 2025, followed by a market pilot in 2026.

The introduction of lab-grown dairy products like UnReal Milk may reshape the dairy market, offering a viable solution to meet global dairy demand sustainably. As investment and technological advancements continue to accelerate in this sector, the potential to transform food security globally grows ever closer.