This paper is among the first to focus on how to balance supply chain resilience (SCRES) and cost within the context of novel foods, particularly Alternative Proteins (APs). These supply chains (SCs), continuously evolving, must develop resilience for success amid competition and disruptions. However, the perception that resilience is costly has led companies to doubt their ability to afford it. Through semi-structured interviews across four AP SCs, this cost-resilience relationship is explored. This research proposes a process development approach to balancing SCRES and costs through multi-purpose ‘complementary’ capabilities; which can help address vulnerabilities in a cost-effective way.