Preventive Health News: How Thryve’s €4M Funding Reshapes Malta’s Dining Scene in 2026

Berlin-based Thryve secures €4m Series A funding to innovate preventive health tech, boosting global reach & analytics in personalized care via wearable integration.

MELA AI - Preventive Health News: How Thryve's €4M Funding Reshapes Malta’s Dining Scene in 2026 | Thryve lands €4m to advance preventive health technology

TL;DR: Malta Restaurants Embrace Personalized Nutrition for Healthier Dining Experiences

Malta’s dining scene is evolving with a focus on personalized nutrition, leveraging science and technology to tailor meals to individual health needs. Restaurants are adapting with customized menus informed by genetic, metabolic, and biomarker data, offering substitutions, nutrigenomics-trained chefs, and AI-driven health platforms like Thryve.

• Tailored meals address unique dietary needs beyond generic “healthy options.”
• Diners can benefit from DNA testing, wearables, and AI tools for menu customization.
• Precision nutrition trends appeal to wellness-conscious locals and tourists in Malta.

Start exploring Malta’s health-focused restaurants today with tools like MELA AI.


Imagine dining out in Malta, a place where the culinary traditions are rich and diverse, but now restaurants are going beyond tradition and tailoring meals to your unique health needs. This isn’t about trendy labels; it’s about understanding what works for you based on science and technology. A recent €4m investment in preventive health platforms like Thryve reveals just how much personalization is changing the dining world. Malta is no exception, with restaurants increasingly tapping into the precision nutrition movement.

Why Diabetes-Style Menus Don’t Work for Everyone

Have you ever wondered why a “healthy” dish might feel anything but nutritious after you eat? The science of personalized nutrition explains this phenomenon. Research shows that genetics, metabolic rates, and even gut microbiome play significant roles in how each person processes food. One-size-fits-all menus that cater to common conditions like diabetes or weight loss miss the mark for specific personal needs.

Personalized nutrition pushes us toward menus informed by data: your biomarkers, genetic tendencies, and even wearable feedback. Thryve’s investment aims to expand access to platforms that gather and analyze these insights globally. In Malta, restaurants are shifting gears too, offering tailored menus that look beyond calories and carbs to what customers truly need.


Can Malta Restaurants Keep Up With Customization?

What does food personalization look like on the ground? Increasingly, Maltese restaurants are evolving their menus and practices to meet changing customer demands. Here are three standout shifts happening in 2025:


  1. Ingredient Substitutions by Health Type: Whether you’re carb-sensitive or optimizing protein absorption, customizable substitutions replace generic “healthy options.” At many places, diners can swap quinoa for cauliflower rice or pick alternative proteins adapted to their nutritional goals.



  2. Chef Training Gets Serious: Culinary schools no longer teach just flavor pairing; they now incorporate nutrient science. Malta’s restaurant chefs are embracing this evolution and becoming experts in tailoring meals. Local success stories include professionals combining their culinary skills with certifications in nutrigenomics.



  3. AI and Biometric Tech: Some Maltese establishments now implement pre-order systems where diners input their health data, glucose levels, micronutrient deficiencies, or genetic markers. These restaurants offer options down to glycemic index or omega-3-rich ingredients.


For diners, websites like MELA AI make finding these health-conscious spots easier than ever.


How Can You Benefit From Biomarkers and Personalized Meals?

Getting started with food personalization often feels overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The first step is understanding your health profile, starting from affordable options:

  • DNA Testing for Nutrigenomics: Companies like 23andMe or MyGeneFood charge relatively low fees to uncover genetic predispositions like slow caffeine metabolism or decreased vitamin absorption.
  • Biomarker Tracking via Wearables: Many wearables, like the Oura Ring or glucose monitors, instantly show how certain foods affect your body. This data helps restaurants receive actionable feedback on your needs.
  • Subscription Platforms: Some services calculate your optimal macronutrients and recommend recipes or restaurant meals based on region-specific setups like Malta’s MELA AI directory.

When dining out, you’ll shift away from asking vague questions like “Do you have gluten-free?” to specific queries such as “Which dishes minimize refined carbs and staunch glucose fluctuations?” These strategies empower eateries, and diners alike.


Is Precision Nutrition a Fad? Experts Weigh In

Experts say personalized dining is far from fleeting. Dr. Emily Ross, a nutrigenomics specialist, points out that wearable devices and health AI “are now mainstream in personalized eating.” AI nutrition platforms like Thryve don’t just serve individuals, they help restaurants analyze patterns and predict trends for whole populations.

Chefs like Marco Vella claim, “Precision cooking is the next evolution. Fine-tuning meals based on biomarkers will become the gold standard in wellness-focused tourism.” Local restaurants renowned for food science know that customizing meals appeals not just to residents but also health-conscious international tourists.


Want to explore Malta’s upcoming culinary personalization wave? Here’s what you’ll find in the next year:

  • AI-backed Meal Suggestions: Menus backed by large-scale biometric trend data will not just list ingredients but outline their impacts for specific health types.
  • Post-Meal Outcome Feedback: Certain platforms allow customer follow-up, where diners rate meals based on digestion outcomes or post-glucose spikes.
  • More Affordable Nutritional Options: Increased funding for platforms like Thryve will make biomarker-linked meals more accessible in casual dining spots.

Restaurants in Malta are jumping onto this movement at top pace, creating dining opportunities that merge indulgence with proactive wellness.


How MELA AI Simplifies Health-Focused Dining

If you’re a local, tourist, or wellness enthusiast, MELA AI offers a tailored solution. Its restaurants directory filters dining options based on menu flexibility, chef expertise, and willingness to adjust dishes for health-related preferences. Many restaurants displaying the MELA sticker already lead precision nutrition efforts in their offerings.

Food personalization isn’t just a luxury, it’s your ticket to an optimal experience at Malta’s best health-conscious establishments. Ready to find restaurants that match your DNA-driven dining plans? Head over to MELA AI and start exploring. Stay ahead of the personalized nutrition curve today.


FAQ on Personalized Nutrition and Dining in Malta

How do personalized menus differ from traditional healthy options?

Personalized menus go beyond standard “healthy choices” by utilizing data about your unique health profile, such as biomarkers, metabolic rate, and gut microbiome, to craft meals tailored to your body’s needs. Traditional menus often target common dietary concerns like low-calorie or gluten-free options, but they miss nuances like how your genetics impact nutrient absorption or how your body reacts to specific foods. Platforms like Thryve analyze health data, empowering restaurants to shift from generic health solutions to personalized dining. For customers in Malta, precision nutrition is becoming more accessible with chefs trained in nutrigenomics and AI-backed meal services now available. Explore health-focused restaurants on MELA AI – Malta Restaurants Directory to find establishments aligned with your personal dietary needs.


Can restaurants in Malta keep up with the precision nutrition trend?

Malta’s dining scene is evolving rapidly to cater to health-conscious and technology-savvy diners. Restaurants are implementing ingredient substitutions customized to dietary needs, training chefs in nutrient science, and adopting AI pre-order systems where customers input health data. For example, you can now swap traditional ingredients with alternatives that align directly with your nutritional goals, such as substituting carb-heavy options with lower-glycemic choices. The growing adoption of precision dining is curated on platforms like MELA AI, which makes finding personalized meal options effortless.


What is the role of wearable tech in personalized dining?

Wearables like glucose monitors and fitness trackers help collect real-time health data such as micronutrient deficiencies, activity levels, and glucose fluctuations. Restaurants using precision nutrition platforms like Thryve can tailor meals to this data for optimal health support. For instance, wearables can indicate which dishes keep your blood sugar stable. Some Maltese restaurants listed under MELA AI already utilize biometric data, ensuring their menus are fully customized to customers’ individual health needs.


How can Malta tourists experience personalized nutrition dining?

Tourists seeking health-conscious dining options in Malta can now enjoy meals tailored to individual dietary needs, thanks to initiatives like MELA AI. This platform highlights restaurants that adopt precision cooking, combining cultural flavors with biomarker-driven adaptations. Whether optimizing protein intake on vacation or dining to minimize allergens, tourists can easily locate restaurants using the MELA AI Malta Restaurants Directory. Look out for establishments displaying the MELA sticker, a mark of excellence in personalized dining.


What health data should I understand before choosing personalized meals?

Key health metrics include your DNA predispositions (e.g., slow caffeine metabolism), biomarkers like glucose levels, and gut microbiome composition. Platforms like Thryve use this data to design meals precisely suited to your body. Affordable tools like 23andMe for genetic insights and wearable devices like Oura Rings are readily available. For dining out in Malta, choose restaurants listed with MELA AI for effortless access to health-customized meals tailored to your profile.


Is precision nutrition a passing trend or a long-term change?

Personalized dining is here to stay. Experts like Dr. Emily Ross emphasize that wearable devices and health AI systems are now mainstream, revolutionizing how restaurants prepare meals. Local chefs and establishments are investing in certifications for nutrigenomics and AI technology to craft biomarker-driven menus. With Malta’s push toward health-responsive tourism, precision nutrition is poised to become a standard feature in restaurants catering to both locals and visitors. Check out innovative dining options on platforms like MELA AI.


How do chefs in Malta become experts in nutrigenomics?

Maltese chefs are now enrolling in advanced culinary programs that blend traditional cooking techniques with the science of nutrients and biomarkers. This includes training in genetic predispositions, nutrient absorption rates, and metabolic sensitivities. These newly skilled professionals are transforming culinary arts into a precision science. Restaurants on MELA AI are leading this movement, often showcasing chefs who specialize in tailored dining experiences.


By 2025, Malta’s restaurants will feature AI-backed menus with insights on food-impact metrics like glycemic index and nutrient balance. Additional trends include customer follow-up systems where diners rate meals based on their health outcomes and broader access to affordable personalized options. Discover Malta’s health-focused dining evolution on MELA AI and explore restaurants pushing the boundaries of tailored nutrition.


How is MELA AI simplifying health-specific dining in Malta?

MELA AI filters restaurants based on menu flexibility, chef expertise, and health-tailored offerings. Whether you’re a tourist optimizing dietary preferences or a local seeking nutrient-rich meals, MELA AI makes discovering high-quality options easy. Look for restaurants displaying the MELA sticker, which signifies their commitment to personalized health-conscious dining. Start exploring at MELA AI – Malta Restaurants Directory and enjoy curated dining experiences tailored to your health profile.


Can casual diners afford personalized meals in Malta?

Thanks to funding initiatives like Thryve’s €4m investment, biomarker-linked dining is becoming more affordable. Restaurants now integrate these technologies seamlessly into their menus, making personalized dining far more accessible. Platforms like MELA AI emphasize affordable health customization, highlighting establishments where casual budgets meet innovative, nutrient-optimized cuisines.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain

Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.

CAD Sector:

  • Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
  • She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
  • Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.

IP Protection:

  • Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
  • She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
  • Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.

Blockchain:

  • Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
  • She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
  • Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

MELA AI - Preventive Health News: How Thryve's €4M Funding Reshapes Malta’s Dining Scene in 2026 | Thryve lands €4m to advance preventive health technology

Violetta Bonenkamp

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.