Upside Foods launches its cell-based chicken in US restaurant

Business

Upside Foods launches its cell-based chicken in US restaurant

Phoebe Fraser

3 July 2023

Upside Foods launches its cell-based chicken in US restaurant

Upside Foods has announced that its cell-based chicken has launched at chef Dominique Crenn’s restaurant Bar Crenn in San Francisco, US.

The company says that the historic event, held on 1 July, marks the “first-ever” consumer sale of cell-based meat in the US.

The restaurant debut of Upside’s chicken followed the announcement two weeks prior, that cell-based meat companies Upside and Good Meat had both been approved to sell their cell-based chicken products in the US.

Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside, said: "The landmark sale of Upside’s cultivated chicken at Bar Crenn officially marks cultivated meat's debut into the US market. It represents a giant leap towards a world where people no longer have to choose between the foods they love and a thriving planet. I can't wait for more people to get their first bite – it's a magical moment that inspires an exciting world of new possibilities."

Diners at the historic meal were selected from entrants of Upside’s social media contest based on their passion to build a better future. The cell-based chicken was fried in a Recado Negro (Mexican spice)-infused tempura batter and accompanied by chilli aioli.

Upside cell-based chicken — Upside Foods' cell-based chicken dish at Bar Crenn

Upside says it’s collaboration with chef Crenn stands as a “testament to their united vision for a more sustainable and conscientious future of food”. The event held significance as it marks the reintroduction of meat to Crenn's menu since its removal from Crenn Dining Group's restaurants in 2018, as a result of concerns regarding the negative impacts of conventional meat production on the planet.

Chef Dominique Crenn commented: "It's truly an honour to serve Upside’s cultivated chicken at Bar Crenn and introduce cultivated meat to the US. It's the first time meat has made it back on my menu since 2018, because Upside chicken is the first meat that I feel good about serving. From its exquisite flavour and texture to its aroma and the way it cooks, Upside chicken is simply delicious and it represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and compassionate food system."

Following the launch event, Upside’s cultivated chicken will be available at Bar Crenn through ongoing Upside services due to commence later this year.

#UpsideFoods #US

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