Brown Foods earns recognition from MIT for launch of world’s first lab-grown whole milk

USA – Brown Foods, a Y-Combinator-backed startup, has gained recognition from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for developing “UnReal” Milk, the world’s first lab-grown whole cow milk. 

Despite concerns surrounding lab-grown meat regarding scalability, environmental impact, and pricing, the company has pursued a breakthrough in dairy alternatives using mammalian cell culture technology.

Founded in 2021 by Indian-American entrepreneurs Sohail Gupta, Bhavna Tandon, and Avhijeet Kapoor, the company claims its product replicates the nutrition, taste, and texture of conventional milk while being more environmentally sustainable. 

The trio, with backgrounds from Stanford, Rice, and IIT Delhi, has over 30 years of combined experience in synthetic biology, bioprocess engineering, and food innovation.

A report by Our World in Data states that dairy farming is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, with cows producing 30% of the world’s methane emissions. 

Additionally, dairy production is among the least energy-efficient food industries, with beef derived from dairy cows showing an energy efficiency of only 2%. 

Researchers have also raised concerns about milk contamination, noting the presence of stress hormones, antibiotic residues, and adulteration with additives such as starch and maltodextrin.

The company asserts that UnReal Milk offers a sustainable alternative by reducing carbon emissions by 82%, water usage by 90%, and land use by 95%. 

According to the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, affiliated with MIT, lab-grown milk developed by Brown Foods contains 99% of the essential nutrients found in conventional dairy, including key proteins such as Alpha-S1-Casein, Beta Casein, and Lactotransferrin. 

 “The market potential extends beyond milk, to butter, cheese, yogurt, and even non-food industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where dairy ingredients play a role,” Gupta stated.

“Long term, this technology isn’t just about the earth—it’s about food security anywhere, whether in extreme climates, disaster-stricken areas, or even space travel.”

A survey conducted by CAFB-NORC between May 2023 and May 2024 revealed that 37% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity, a situation more pronounced among children.

Studies also highlight that nearly 50% of global agricultural land is used for livestock farming, while a report by Cornell University suggests that repurposing grain used for animal feed could provide food for approximately 800 million people. 

Brown Foods aims to address these concerns by eliminating reliance on livestock while ensuring the production of high-quality dairy alternatives.

The company has announced plans to introduce UnReal Milk for consumer tasting in late 2025, followed by a market pilot in 2026. 

Dr. Richard Braatz, a chemical engineering professor at MIT, described the development as a “scientific and technological breakthrough,” highlighting its potential to disrupt the traditional dairy industry.

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