Staying ahead of the technology curve means strengthening your competitive advantage. That is why we give you data-driven innovation insights into the food industry. This time, you get to discover 5 hand-picked startups offering mycoprotein solutions.
Global Startup Heat Map highlights 5 Top Food Tech Startups offering Mycoprotein Solutions out of 62
The insights of this data-driven analysis are derived from the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 2.093.000+ startups & scaleups globally. The platform gives you an exhaustive overview of emerging technologies & relevant startups within a specific field in just a few clicks.
The Global Startup Heat Map below reveals the distribution of the 62 exemplary startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research. Further, it highlights 5 mycoprotein startups that we hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. You get to explore the solutions of these 5 startups & scaleups in this report. For insights on the other 57 mycoprotein solutions, get in touch.
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La Révolution Champignon produces Mushroom-based Food
Mycoproteins are sustainable alternatives to conventional animal-based protein sources such as beef and chicken. Sourced from fungi, they are high in protein and fiber as well as allow consumers to maintain healthy cholesterol and insulin levels. In addition to the health benefits, mycoproteins have significantly lower carbon and water footprints, relative to conventional protein sources. Therefore, startups innovate in mycoprotein development to enable the transition to a sustainable protein economy.
La Révolution Champignon is a French startup that uses oyster mushrooms in its plant-based food alternatives. The startup grows mushrooms in end-of-life maritime containers and is harvested daily. In contrast to the other mushroom-based foods, the startup uses the mushroom foot as the main ingredient to produce recyclable by-products for the mushroom farm. As a result, the startup bypasses the use of animal-based proteins in food products and facilitates sustainability.
ENOUGH makes a Meat Alternative
Mycoproteins replace meat without degrading the texture or flavor of the completed dish. Startups develop mycoprotein-based ingredients for use in food manufacturing since it has a higher growth rate and is rich in protein. Like the other meat alternatives, such as plant-based and insect-based protein, mycoproteins are catching up in food manufacturing as well as with end consumers.
British startup ENOUGH develops ABUNDA, a sustainable protein. The startup ferments fungi with natural sugars from grains to make its proprietary mycoprotein. ABUNDA is rich in protein and fiber, as well as naturally fortified in B12, zinc, and iron. Moreover, its fibrous nature ensures the meaty texture of the final dishes. Besides, the startup’s mycoprotein consumes lesser water and inputs to grow, in turn, improving sustainability.
PLANETARIANS provides a Zero Waste Mycoprotein
Since a large portion of arable land is used for the cultivation of animal feedstock, there is a need for more scalable options. For instance, fungi-based alternative proteins are efficient substitutes for animal feed. Nutrient-rich mycoprotein also facilitates animal growth and improves health. Startups develop protein-rich meat and dairy substitutes from low-quality byproducts that are otherwise recycled as animal feed.
US-based startup PLANETARIANS produces animal-free meat from various byproducts in the food sector. The startup’s proprietary zero-waste mycoprotein combines wet and dry extrusion as well as solid-state fermentation processes. The mycoprotein has a meat-like texture as well as an umami flavor. Besides, PLANETARIANS’ mycoprotein is a low-cost solution that reduces the price difference between animal-based meat and meat alternatives.
Mushroom-X offers Mushroom-based Food Products
Customer concerns are a big factor that facilitates the transition to mycoprotein in the food industry. Responsible consumers are trying to switch to a vegan diet without losing the taste, flavor, or texture of animal-based food. At the same time, mycoproteins offer all these properties and readily replace meat without changing the manufacturing process. Thus, startups develop novel methods to sustainably produce cost-competitive mycoprotein.
Mushroom-X is a Hong Kong-based startup developing mushroom-based food products. The startup combines fungal and nutritional science, as well as molecular biology and genetics, to identify and grow nutrient-rich species of mushrooms for human consumption. Mushroom-X tackles food insecurity and other environmental issues facing food producers. In addition, the startup provides mushroom-based biomaterials for construction, furniture, and packaging applications.
Mushlabs grows Mushroom-based Raw Ingredients
Mycoprotein production requires a closed environment and fewer resources compared to conventional animal agriculture. Moreover, small-scale units are as efficient as large-scale facilities that grow fungal food products. Due to this, companies are able to readily scale their businesses as per the market demand. Moreover, fungus as a food source is profitable for the farmers and sustainable for nature.
Mushlabs is a German startup that grows edible mushroom mycelia to create raw ingredients for meat alternatives. The startup ferments waste side streams of food and agro-industries with mycelium to develop its raw ingredients. Mushlab’s mycoprotein also retains the taste and flavor of the meat and also contains essential amino acids, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. This allows food and agricultural companies to upcycle their waste into high-value food ingredients, further improving the sustainability of the industry.
Discover more Food Tech Startups
Food startups such as the examples highlighted in this report focus on meat alternatives, mushroom-based foods, and raw ingredients as well as zero-waste mycoprotein. While all of these technologies play a major role in advancing the food industry, they only represent the tip of the iceberg. To explore more food technologies, simply get in touch to let us look into your areas of interest. For a more general overview, you can download our free FoodTech Innovation Report to save your time and improve strategic decision-making.
