Savor unveils carbon-based butter in commercial launch

USA – A California-based startup, Savor, has launched a revolutionary butter made from carbon, marking a significant step in sustainable food innovation. 

The company, backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, introduced its animal- and plant-free butter to the market on March 20, 2025, after years of research. 

This first-of-its-kind product aims to transform the food industry by offering a low-carbon alternative to traditional dairy and plant-based fats.

According to Savor’s CEO, Kathleen Alexander, the butter is crafted using a unique process that combines carbon dioxide, green hydrogen, and methane to create fats molecularly identical to those found in conventional butter. 

The result is a product that mimics the taste, texture, and functionality of dairy butter without relying on agriculture. 

Alexander emphasized the environmental benefits, stating, “Truly sustainable solutions can’t just reduce our footprint, they have to be affordable and craveable.” 

She added that this innovation could replace widely used fats like palm oil, which contribute to deforestation and emissions.

Savor’s butter has already caught the attention of top chefs and food manufacturers. 

Renowned culinary experts, including Kyle Connaughton of SingleThread and Juan Contreras of Atelier Crenn, have begun using the product in high-end dishes. 

The company showcased its butter at exclusive dinners in San Francisco and New York earlier this month, earning praise for its rich flavor and versatility. 

Savor has also partnered with bakeries like Jane the Bakery in San Francisco to supply the product, signaling its potential to scale into broader markets.

The launch comes as the food industry faces growing pressure to address sustainability challenges. 

Traditional butter production generates significant greenhouse gases, with one kilogram of unsalted dairy butter producing about 16.9 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to environmental data. 

In contrast, Savor claims its process emits less than 0.8 grams per kilogram, offering a dramatic reduction in environmental impact. 

The company’s technology also avoids the land and water use tied to farming, making it a promising solution for a more resilient food supply chain.

Savor’s ambitions extend beyond butter. The startup is negotiating with major food companies to develop customizable fats for products like chocolate, cheese, and cooking oils. 

The company is also preparing for a Series B funding round later this year to support its growth, building on the US$33 million it has already raised from investors.

While the butter is now commercially available to select partners, Savor is still navigating regulatory approvals for wider sales. 

Industry experts see this launch as a potential game-changer, blending cutting-edge science with practical culinary applications to meet the demands of a climate-conscious world.