File under ‘well, that’s certainly different’…UK-based recipe box venture, Gousto, has partnered with biotechnology company Living DNA to launch DNA Dishes.

The pilot service will offer free DNA kits so that people can get recipe inspiration from some of the regions or countries that appear in their ancestral make-up. 

Also of interest: Databricks helps Gousto make data driven decisions

As part of the launch, Gousto enlisted rapper Professor Green and TV presenter/DJ/fitness blogger AJ Odudu (pictured above) to unearth truths about their origins. Much to Professor Green’s surprise, he is not of Scottish or Scandi decent as he thought, but in fact French (35%), Northwest Germanic (20%) and Irish (12%).

Odudu, meanwhile, celebrated her West African heritage by discovering she is of Nigerian (95%), Burkina Faso (3%) and Cameroonian (2%) descent.

Getting personal

Gousto has built a recommendation engine that is due to be rolled out next year. Customers will be able to create more personalised meals based on their taste preferences and dietary requirements, with meal customisation.

Shaun Pearce, Gousto’s Chief Technology Officer, says: “We focus heavily on innovation to inspire discovery and adventure when it comes to home cooking, and this partnership with Living DNA is an example of that.”

He adds: “We make our data work hard through the development of intelligent algorithms that not only allow customers to discover menus catered to their preferences but importantly, helps them create a personal connection to the food they cook.”

“The future of food is so exciting and the learnings from this pilot will help accelerate our work in developing an even more personalised product for our customers.” 

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