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Even the most loyal KFC fans may feel squeamish after learning about the iconic fast-food chain’s future plans for chicken nuggets.
The gold-standard for fried chicken officially announced a partnership with 3D Printing Solutions, a Russian research laboratory.
Their mission? To develop technology for what’s been described as “meat of the future.”
…in Russia!
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But don’t take the bait.
In reality, it means lab-produced chicken nuggets.
If the partnership produces legitimate 3D-printed nuggets, it will represent a first for the industry. The nuggets will supposedly look and taste very similar to KFC’s time-tested recipe.
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Plus, the process of producing 3D-printed nuggets actually has fewer negative effects on the environment than the standard way of producing meat.
While this may all sound too good to be true, 3D Printing Solutions explained the process,
“We’re developing additive bioprinting technology using chicken cells and plant material, allowing it to reproduce the taste and texture of chicken meat.”
That sure sounds like a mouthful!
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From a health perspective, bioprinting does offer a big benefit. You can still incorporate all the micronutrients the body needs without including potentially harmful additives.
3D Printing Solutions called upon a study conducted by the American Environmental Science & Technology Journal to illustrate further:
“The technology of growing meat from cells has minimal negative impact on the environment, allowing energy consumption to be cut by more than half.
Greenhouse gas emissions are also reduced 25 fold and there’s 100 times less land to be used than traditional farm-based meat production.”
Okay, we’re listening…
Even as KFC attempts to break through with a new product, keep in mind that the 3D-printed nuggets will consist of plant material and chicken cells. Other non-meat alternatives such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are fully plant-based.
KFC plans on unveiling their 3D-printed chicken nuggets in Moscow in the fall.
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No word on when they’ll be in the United States.
If you’re a fan of real chicken, maybe that’s a good thing.
Would you be willing to try a 3D-printed chicken nugget? How do you feel about 3D-printed or lab-created foods?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
