Bee-lieve it: MeliBio set to launch fermentation-based honey

In San Francisco, synthetic biology company MeliBio has held a private tasting event for what it claims to be the world’s first bee-free honey. 

The Berkeley-based company produces honey molecularly identical to the yummy vomit generated by bees. Green Queen’s Alessandra Franco, who was among the lucky few to score a sample, said MeliBio’s product “tastes, drips and spreads 100% like honey made from bees.” 

Melibio was founded in 2020 and aims to begin shipping by the end of year. It is currently welcoming foodservice orders. Investors include Big Idea Ventures, Joyance and Sustainable Food Ventures.  

“Honey is an ingredient found in every product category, from food to beverage and personal care products for which MeliBio is now providing a plant-based option,” says co-founder and CEO Darko Mandich. “By bringing delicious, nutritious, and real honey made without bees to the market, we are shaping our present and future in a way that is better for bees and for humans.”