NASA-backed scientists turn plastic waste into edible cookies

In 2026, NASA backed scientists make 'microbites' cookies from plastic bottles in vanilla flavour using baker's yeast that could feed astronauts on Mars

Researchers are transforming plastic bottles and farm waste into edible proteins and vitamins. Genetically engineered yeast breaks down these materials into useful food components. This innovative NASA-backed project aims to address global food scarcity and plastic pollution. The resulting edible product, nicknamed microbites, is shaped into small cookies. Scientists anticipate this technology could be ready for widespread use within a few years.

NASA-backed scientists turn plastic waste into edible cookies

Scientists have engineered yeast to turn PET plastic and agricultural waste into ingredients for protein-rich, 3D-printed cookies called µBites. Developed partly for NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, the system can produce proteins, fats, vitamins, and even vanilla flavoring from waste materials. Researchers hope the unusual technology could eventually help address both plastic pollution and food insecurity, while also supplying food in extreme environments such as deep-space missions.

Scientists Turned Plastic And Agricultural Waste Into Cookies That You Can Actually Eat

New research presented at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) showcased a cookie made from plastic. Scientists have programmed yeasts to transform compounds from plastic and agricultural waste into edible proteins, vitamins, flavoring molecules, and other food ingredients. The approach could provide a new way to reuse some of that waste, as […]

Trash-To-Table Cookies Spark Safety Jitters

NASA-backed researchers say they turned plastic bottles and farm scraps into protein-rich cookies, and they 3D-printed them for people to eat. Story Highlights Southern Illinois University scientists unveiled “µBites,” cookies made from plastic and crop waste proteins. Engineered yeast convert broken-down plastic compounds into edible protein, which is then 3D-printed. The team pitched the tech for space travel and to cut plastic waste on Earth…