Bill Gates-Backed Startup Creates Butter Out of Thin Air—No Cows Needed

Savor, a California-based startup supported by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, claims to have developed a process to produce butter without using milk or any other dairy product. This innovative approach combines carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen to create a product that tastes just like traditional butter.

Savor’s breakthrough could solve a significant challenge in the food industry: creating delicious, environmentally friendly food. The company transforms carbon dioxide from the air into butter in a laboratory setting, and this method extends to other fat-based products as well. This comes in response to the shortcomings of plant-based alternatives, which often fail to match the texture and flavor of animal products. Additionally, many plant-based products rely on palm oil, the production of which has been linked to extensive deforestation.

The livestock industry is responsible for 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. With the global population growing, the demand for animal-based products is expected to increase, exacerbating environmental impacts. Savor aims to offer a sustainable alternative by using a thermochemical process to create dairy-free products such as ice cream, cheese, and milk. This process involves starting with a carbon source, like carbon dioxide, and using heat and hydrogen to form chains, which are then combined with oxygen to produce fats and oils. This method eliminates the need for animal farming, palm plantations, or harmful chemicals.

Bill Gates is optimistic about the potential impact of Savor's technology. "The idea of switching to lab-made fats and oils may seem strange at first. But their potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint is immense. By harnessing proven technologies and processes, we get one step closer to achieving our climate goals," he stated.

Savor's innovative approach has the potential to transform the food industry by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional dairy products, representing a significant step toward a more sustainable future.

This breakthrough highlights the potential for science and technology to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today.