On April 1st, 2025, FoodNavigator dropped a headline that felt like a blockbuster trailer: biotech company NeoCarnis had launched the world’s first cultivated dinosaur meat, grown from Brontosaurus DNA. With products like “DinoBites” and “Jurassic Jerkies” hitting European supermarket shelves, the story quickly spread across social media—until it was revealed as a cleverly crafted April Fools’ joke.
But here’s the twist: the idea didn’t seem all that far-fetched.
In an era where lab-grown wagyu, 3D-printed salmon, and milk brewed without cows are already part of the food innovation landscape, the line between satire and science is getting blurry. This viral moment highlighted how consumers crave not just new flavors, but new narratives. And it tapped into a trend that may be prehistoric in name but feels futuristic in spirit.
📊 Trend Snapshot: Jurassic Meat
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Trend name and brief definition | Jurassic Meat – lab-grown meat from extinct or “prehistoric” species |
| Main ingredients or key components | Cultivated cells, bioreactors, synthetic DNA, food-grade scaffolding |
| Current distribution | Not yet real (inspired by an April Fools’ story) |
| Well-known restaurants or products | Vow’s Mammoth Meatball (2023), fictional NeoCarnis “DinoBites” |
| Relevant hashtags and social media presence | #JurassicMeat #FoodTechFantasy #CultivatedMeat |
| Target demographics | Gen Z, science & tech enthusiasts, novelty seekers |
| “Wow factor” or special feature | Sci-fi storytelling meets ethical meat innovation |
| Trend phase | Emerging as a narrative trend |
From Mammoths to Dinosaurs – Not So Impossible?
While Brontosaurus burgers remain a fantasy (for now), the science behind reviving extinct flavors is already in motion. In 2023, Vow, a food-tech startup based in Sydney, made global headlines by unveiling a cultivated meatball made with mammoth DNA. The company synthesized genetic material from a long-extinct woolly mammoth and blended it with cells from modern elephants to grow the meat in a lab. While not commercially available, the prototype was meant to spark conversation about food innovation and sustainability.
Vow’s experiment proved two things:
- Cultivated meat can move beyond familiar species.
- There’s a deep hunger—pun intended—for bold storytelling in food.
In that light, NeoCarnis’ fictional dino snacks could be seen not as a joke, but as a provocation. What if food brands embraced mythical or extinct animals to sell cultivated protein with flair? The ethical and environmental benefits of lab-grown meat are real—but so is the challenge of convincing consumers to try it. Narrative-driven products might be the way forward.
Fiction Feeds FascinationThe appeal of Jurassic Meat lies in its fusion of fantasy, nostalgia, and futurism. It plays on our cultural memory of Jurassic Park, our curiosity about ancient life, and our hope that science can deliver sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives to traditional meat.
It also reflects a wider trend in the food world: “Narrative Foods”—products that don’t just feed the body, but the imagination. Whether it’s mood-enhancing chocolate, coffee linked to your zodiac sign, or lab-grown tiger steak, consumers are increasingly looking for stories they can taste.
For food tech companies, the NeoCarnis prank is a masterclass in brand virality. With a few clever names and a strong concept, they captured global attention—even though the product was entirely fictional. It begs the question: if the tech can eventually catch up, would consumers actually bite?
Analysis & Outlook
Jurassic Meat isn’t about DNA—it’s about imagination. While reviving actual dinosaurs is scientifically implausible (we don’t have viable DNA), the tools of synthetic biology and cultivated cell science are advancing fast. Creating meat inspired by extinct animals—or entirely fictional ones—is well within reach.
The biggest barrier isn’t technology—it’s perception. Consumers remain cautious about lab-grown foods. But that’s changing, especially among Gen Z, who are more open to experimenting with identity, lifestyle, and sustainability. And when the product comes wrapped in a killer story, skepticism gives way to intrigue.
Brands that lean into playfulness, curiosity, and storytelling—while still being transparent—could redefine how we think about meat, protein, and even history itself.
Key Takeaways
- The “Jurassic Meat” hoax struck a nerve by blending food tech and fantasy
- Real companies like Vow are already cultivating extinct animal proteins
- Narrative foods are rising—consumers crave story-rich, provocative products
- Future foods may borrow from mythology, paleontology, and pop culture
- Cultivated meat needs strong storytelling to boost mainstream appeal