They say that money doesn’t grow on trees, but that concept is no more shocking than the idea that breast milk now does.

Well, this is almost true because scientists have created the world’s first plant that produces an oil that is the same chemical structure as human milk fat - the main component of breast milk.

This discovery could mean that there is potential to make a cost effective copy of human milk to feed to babies, which could revolutionise bottle feeding.

Although bottle feeding is still fine for babies, breast milk has always been considered the more advantageous for nourishment and well-being. Additionally the human milk fat molecule, triacylglycerol, helps babies to digest nutrients. Therefore, being able to replicate it from a plant could be life-changing for those who can’t breastfeed.

Scientists have found that a plant can produce an oil that is the same chemical structure as human milk fat

The innovative study was carried out at Rothamstead Research in Hertfordshire, which is one of the oldest agricultural research institutions in the world. They stress that few baby formulas contain anything like the natural molecule, so it could be added to their composition so that babies could absorb formula milk better.

Lead researcher, Dr Peter Eastmond, said: “Virtually all other organisms don’t have fat with the same structure as human milk fat, no plants do, and very few yeasts, fungi or microbes do either.

“My hope is that if we can find cheaper methods to produce fat that more closely resembles the structure of human milk fat, then it will be an ingredient more widely used in infant formulas and at a lower cost. It could improve infant formulas in the future.”

Perhaps this is a look into the future where many animal products will be able to be grown like plants. Earlier this year scientists at the University of Bath grew animal cells on blades of grass, in a step towards cultured meat.

It is hoped that the process will one day be reproduced on an industrial scale enabling meat-eaters to enjoy a slaughter free supply of bacon.

Although lab-created meat products are not yet on sale, Just (a US company) have said that its chicken nuggets, which were grown from cells taken from the feather of a chicken that is still alive, will soon be available in a few restaurants.