{
  "id": 4664787,
  "title": "Would You Eat a Cookie Made From Upcycled Plastic? Scientists Propose a New Way to Deal With Waste and Provide Food in Extreme Environments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/would-you-eat-a-cookie-made-from-upcycled-plastic-scientists-propose",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-31T15:42:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Smithsonian",
    "slug": "smithsonian",
    "url": "https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/would-you-eat-a-cookie-made-from-upcycled-plastics-scientists-propose-a-new-way-to-deal-with-waste-and-provide-food-in-extreme-environments-180989413/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers have developed edible cookies made from upcycled plastic and agricultural waste at the American Chemical Society Fall 2026 meeting in Chicago. These innovative snacks, called µBites, were created by programming microbes to transform plastic and agricultural waste into proteins and flavoring molecules. The cookies are a potential solution for providing food in extreme environments, such as during deep-space crewed missions or disaster zones, and could even help address world hunger. Lahiru Jayakody, a microbiologist at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, invented the cookies as part of NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge to feed astronauts on long voyages. The process involves using water and oxygen at high temperature and pressure to break down carbon-based waste materials, such as PET bottles and biomass, into smaller molecules. Genetically engineered yeast then consumes these pieces and turns them into nutrients, including proteins, fats, and acids. The mixture is then extruded through a 3D printer to create a dough-like substance that forms the cookie's structure. The cookies are safe to eat, according to the researchers' data, but further approval is needed before taste tests can be conducted. While the cookies could help reduce world hunger, with global food demand expected to rise by 35 to 56 percent by 2050, some experts question their practicality and commercial viability. Jason Hallett, a chemist at Imperial College London, argues that recycling 400 million tons of plastic waste annually into cookies is not a feasible solution to the plastic-waste crisis. Stephen Wallace, a chemist at the University of Edinburgh, found the demonstration exciting but highlighted concerns around safety, scalability, and public acceptance.",
  "summary": "A team of researchers programmed yeast to turn broken-down plastic and agricultural waste into sweet treats called µBites. They might come in handy during deep-space missions or in disaster zones, although some critics say the food is impractical",
  "key_points": [
    "Scientists created edible cookies from upcycled plastic and agricultural waste.",
    "µBites, or micro-cookies, aim to provide food in extreme environments.",
    "Researchers at NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge developed the cookies."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}