In an interview, Chen shared that recent advancements are propelling Upside Foods closer to its goals for cultivated meat. “The company’s vision and the impact we aim to achieve necessitate our ability to produce various types of meat—different species that not only taste incredible but also fulfill consumer expectations regarding value,” Chen explained. The ground chicken product can be manufactured at a significantly lower cost and larger scale compared to traditional animal-derived meat. Essentially, when Upside Foods creates a whole cut of chicken, it begins by cultivating cells independently. These cells then undergo a unique growth method that allows them to merge into a single piece of meat, a process referred to as adherence. For ground chicken, the cells are harvested prior to the adherence stage, Chen noted. They are mixed with seasonings and plant-based proteins to enhance texture and flavor, with specific ingredients and ratios varying based on the intended use.
Because the cells for the ground chicken product require less time to develop in bioreactors, Chen indicated that Upside would be able to produce larger quantities more quickly, leading to a more affordable product. It takes about seven to fourteen days to cultivate the cells on their own, followed by an additional week for the adherence process. The newly developed cell lines also contribute to reducing the costs of finished products. Chen mentioned that Upside’s scientists have been focused on improving cell culture media to lower expenses, streamline the supply chain, and enhance efficiency. Platelet-derived growth factors represent the most costly component in this media, prompting the team to create a cell line that doesn’t rely on them.
Chen noted that some cells already thrive without platelet-derived growth factors, so the scientific team aimed to isolate these cells to establish a distinct line. Their efforts were successful, allowing the company to grow future cells in a more economical yet effective culture medium. Although Upside has introduced the ground chicken product and the new cell line, neither will be available to consumers in the immediate future. Upside is presently seeking federal approval for its whole-cut chicken product, primarily composed of chicken cells. The company received a no-questions letter from the FDA regarding the safety of this product in November 2022. Chen stated that the USDA is currently collaborating with Upside on its regulatory approval process, which includes aspects related to facilities, procedures, and labeling.
Both the ground chicken product and the new cell line will require separate approvals from the FDA, according to Chen. The company is optimistic about the ground product progressing quickly through the approval process, as it essentially represents an early harvest of the whole-cut product cells. Initially, Upside plans to concentrate its efforts on the restaurant sector for all its offerings. Furthermore, the incorporation of calcium citrate malate equivalent to calcium in their formulations may enhance the nutritional profile of their products, which they aim to communicate effectively to consumers.