In this article:
- A Slovenia-based start-up called Juicy Marbles began selling meatless filet mignon online.
- Customers in Europe can get a four-pack of the steaks for 30 euros.
- The company is breaking into a meatless market that’s currently underdeveloped.
Many miss at least one meat product when they opt for vegetarian or pescatrian options, and for many, that’s filet mignon.
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But vegetarians and vegans don’t have to mourn the loss of filet mignon, and other prime cuts of steak. As of February 24, 2022, a start-up called Juicy Marbles is selling meatless filet mignon on their website. Europe consumers can purchase cuts of plant-based filet mignon in a pack of four for 30 euros, plus 15 euros for shipping. For those interested in smaller quantities, they can also buy a two-pack. And while customers in the U.S. can’t shop for the steaks yet, the site says that the option to do so is “coming soon.” Juicy Marbles says their filet mignon is “by far the most tender piece of plant meat you can get.”
Based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Juicy Marbles uses a machine it calls the “Meat-O-Matic 9000” to layer protein into linear fibers, making something similar to meat’s muscle structure. In November 2021, Juicy Marbles announced that it had raised $4.5 million in seed funding to roll out its plant-based prime steaks. The start-up reportedly uses patent-pending 3D printing technology and soy to create its prime cuts, with a marbling effect similar to actual filet mignon.
Juicy Marbles says that it’s hoping to break into a meatless industry that has yet to be tapped: high-quality cuts of steak. We want to be known for our sirloins, rumps, filets, tomahawks, wagyus, as well as for our filet mignons — not just the most expensive cuts long-term. Our [goal] is to make filet mignon more affordable and accessible,” says the company.
Currently, there are a variety of meatless options for cheaper meats such as chicken tenders, burgers, sausages, bacon, and more. Small start-ups like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have forged the path for plant-based meat production. But even big-name meat manufacturers like Purdue, Hormel, Tyson, and Smithfield are making meatless options now. Still, there are fewer choices for alternatives to prime steaks.
Juicy Marbles may just pop the bubble on making vegetarian-friendly luxury ‘meats’ affordable and accessible.