A U.S.-based food tech company has launched the world's first plant-based pork belly. Lypid Pork Belly was introduced into the United States and Taiwan markets as a B2B product in April, and now the company plans to further expand its collaboration with innovative food service chains in the United States and Asia. 

For the launch, Lypid worked with two restaurant partners, plant-based bistro BaganHood and plant-based bistro and craft bar 23 Public, to serve five exclusive Lypid Pork Belly dishes: "Bacon Mac and Cheese," "Bacon and Egg Florentine Pizza," "Braised Pork Belly Rice," "Bacon Fries" and "Juicy Meatballs."

The company says Lypid Pork Belly is made from 100% plant-based ingredients and the patented PhytoFat vegan fat and is a "juicy, meaty plant-based pork belly that offers impeccable taste and texture." Lipid claims the product is "85% lower in saturated fat, 39% lower in calories and 69% lower in sodium compared to traditional pork bacon." 

"Despite the growing popularity of plant-based diets, the lack of whole-cut meat alternatives remains a challenge. Most plant-based products currently available are in a ground form, which can limit their versatility in recipes and dining experiences. Lypid's pork belly provides a new option that offers a wider range of possibilities to fill the gap in the alternative meat market. We look forward to collaborating with top restaurants to promote a sustainable dietary culture through our innovative product," said Jen-Yu Huang, co-founder and CEO of Lypid.

Last year, Lypid launched its PhytoFat product with Louisa Coffee, the largest coffeehouse company in Taiwan, serving plant-based burger patties to over 500 shops, and taking first place for the 2023 "Ingredient Innovation" at FoodBev Media's World Food Innovation Awards. Earlier this year at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, the Lypid Pork Belly was named one of the top three future foods by Green Queen and recommended by The Spoon as a food innovator to watch.