Replicating milk fat using plant-based lipid droplets

Plant-based dairy alternatives with improved mouthfeel and texture are the focus of HARMOny, one of six research projects launching in April 2025 under the Dutch Research Council's (NWO) Open Technology Programme. The initiative has received over €4.9 million in funding, with an additional €478,000 contributed by industry partners and other organisations.

The HARMOny project aims to develop plant-based lipid droplets that mimic the structure and functionality of milk fat globules. These fat structures play a key role in the sensory quality of dairy products—an area where current plant-based alternatives still fall short. By narrowing this gap, the project seeks to increase consumer acceptance of plant-based dairy without compromising the sensory experience.

The remaining five projects include research into flexible public transport networks and AI-driven drug development for sickle cell disease. All projects are application-oriented and were selected during the 2024 round of the Open Technology Programme.

More info: NWO