California Cultured breaks new ground with patent on cocoa butter via plant cell culture

California Cultured breaks new ground with patent on cocoa butter via plant cell culture

California-based startup California Cultured has filed a patent covering the production of cocoa butter in plant cell culture, a first for the industry. As prices skyrocket and firms struggle with volatility in the cocoa market, food companies have been exploring a range of alternatives for cocoa powder, from plant cell culture to upcycled ag products. But replacing cocoa butter is more challenging, Steve Stearns, head of strategy and business d…