The Challenge of Replicating Animal Products
Products derived from animals have a familiar taste and texture that is difficult to replicate with fermented and plant-based alternatives. This challenge has been particularly pronounced in the dairy industry, where companies have struggled to create products that mimic the creaminess and stability of traditional dairy.
Cultivated Biosciences’ Breakthrough Solution
Enter Cultivated Biosciences, a Swiss biotechnology food startup that claims to have solved this problem with its yeast cream. This innovative product is derived from a specific type of oleaginous yeast, which mimics the texture and mouthfeel of traditional cream.
In 2022, the company raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding, having developed a fat-rich ingredient that matches the texture and stability of dairy-free products. Unlike precision fermentation, which attempts to replicate proteins on a molecular level, Cultivated Biosciences’ technology uses yeast biomass fermentation to create protein-rich foods.
Yeast Biomass Fermentation: A Non-GMO Approach
Cultivated Biosciences’ chief commercial officer, Lucie Rein, explained that the company’s approach is non-GMO and easier to scale than precision fermentation. The yeast cream contains fats, proteins, and fibers – all derived from the yeast – and features a ‘microstructure’ of yeast lipid droplets that resemble milk fat droplets.
Scaling Up Production
Over the past year, Cultivated Biosciences has focused on scaling up production. In 2022, the company was producing 5-10 liters of its cream, but today it is producing 1,500 liters with the potential to reach 80,000 liters with its production partners.
A Game-Changer for Coffee Creamers and More
The company’s first proof-of-concept coffee creamer was launched in December, and Rein said that this was a game-changer for them. The product maintains the creamy consistency, taste, and color required to be stable in hot and acidic coffee.
"We replaced the whitening agents, so we actually replace everything, and we stay stable," Rein explained.
Joining the Ranks of Plant-Based Dairy Pioneers
Cultivated Biosciences is joining a growing list of companies that are pioneering plant-based dairy alternatives. In January, Perfect Day raised $90 million in pre-Series E funding to develop its precision-fermented milk proteins.
Other companies, such as Miruku and Brown Foods, are also making waves in the industry with their own innovative approaches. But Cultivated Biosciences’ yeast cream stands out for its unique combination of taste, texture, and stability.
The Future of Milk: A Sustainable and Innovative Industry
As consumers increasingly seek sustainable and healthy food options, the plant-based dairy industry is poised to revolutionize the way we think about milk. With innovations like Cultivated Biosciences’ yeast cream leading the charge, it’s clear that this industry will continue to evolve and improve in the years to come.
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