Vow unveils world's first mammoth meatball

The world's first meatball made from mammoth DNA has been unveiled at the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. It is a scientific experiment by Australian cultured meat company Vow. 

A team of international experts applied advanced molecular techniques to create this innovative form of cultured meat. The aim is to show the possibilities of cultured meat to the world, and revolutionise the food industry. The striking statement challenges both the general public and the meat industry to think differently about how we produce and consume food. 

Undiscovered flavours

The mammoth meatball was conceived by an international team of experts and scientists, together with Vow, an Australian start-up in cultured meat. Frontrunner is Bas Korsten, Global Chief Creative Officer of creative agency Wunderman Thompson. Together with a team of scientists, chefs and designers, Vow is searching for undiscovered flavours, textures and nutritional benefits. Later this year, Vow will launch its first brand in Singapore: Forged by Vow. 

Pushing boundaries

James Ryall, Chief Scientific Officer at Vow: "The most fascinating thing about this project? That is the ability to create a protein that hasn't existed for thousands of years. The mammoth meatball was created using new, innovative technology from the DNA of the extinct woolly mammoth. This was supplemented with the DNA of the African elephant (the living creature most closely related to the mammoth). Cultured meat allows us to push the boundaries of culinary innovation and create new food experiences. Instead of simply replicating existing products, we can use this technology to create something unique and better. Cultured meat has the potential to revolutionise the way we think about food. It is a missed opportunity not to take advantage of that."

The mammoth meatball will soon be on display at the science museum Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in Leiden.

vowfood.com