Australian burger chain Grill’d has rolled out a ‘world first’ sustainable, beef burger called Gamechanger, made from seaweed-fed black Angus cattle that produce up to two-thirds fewer methane emissions than traditional grass-fed cattle.
The burger chain says it seeks to empower diners at 61 of its restaurants to be eco-friendly, all while still enjoying beef. It described the new Gamechange beef as having the same taste as regular beef, with no seaweed taste.
In partnership with Sea Forest – an ocean cultivation tech company – and validated by the University of New England in NSW, the company has developed a way to feed its cows Asparagopsis – a natural seaweed native to Tasmania.
Rocky De Nys, chief scientific officer at Sea Forest, says the seaweed is special for its unique set of properties that carry across to cattle, and when consumed, reduces methane in those animals.”
Feeding the cattle seaweed claims to reduce their methane emissions by up to 67 per cent, with ongoing trials at the Grill’d farm targeting a 90 per cent reduction.
“We’re really excited to see Gamechanger beef come to life,” says Simon Crowe, founder of Grill’d. “This is the future of beef – and we won’t stop at 61 restaurants.”
Customers of participating stores in Grill’d’s network can opt for the burger for an extra $1 surcharge.
Aside from launching the new seaweed-fed beef burger, the company supports other sustainability initiatives, including using 100 per cent renewable energy in making its burgers and using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
