NASA-backed scientists engineer yeast to make cookies from plastic waste
Scientists presented a system at the American Chemical Society fall meeting in September 2026 that uses engineered yeast to turn plastic and agricultural waste into edible protein-rich cookies.
Engineered yeast creates food ingredients
Researchers developed a method where yeast converts compounds from PET plastic and agricultural waste directly into food components. This process produces proteins, fats, vitamins, and vanilla flavoring needed for the final product. The resulting items are 3D-printed cookies known as µBites that contain essential nutrients.
System targets space and Earth
The technology was created partly to meet requirements for NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge regarding deep-space missions. Researchers hope the approach can also supply food in extreme environments or disaster zones on Earth. The system addresses plastic pollution while helping produce food where conventional supplies are limited.
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