Arturo Elizondo was discussing his company’s innovative, animal-free egg protein, which is tasteless, odorless, nearly colorless, highly soluble, and nutritious, during a video chat. However, it was the animated video on the slide that truly captivated the audience. The footage showcased a pilsner of beer with a foamy head, into which a protein powder was sprinkled and stirred with a long spoon. “Yes,” he chuckled, “that’s our ClearEgg protein being added to beer. And no, it doesn’t alter your beer-drinking experience.”
Elizondo explained that they’ve engaged with various alcoholic beverage companies, as well as producers of green tea, teas, and juices. “Many are grappling with innovation in categories that are on the decline,” he noted. Though most consumers don’t consider beer as a protein source, ClearEgg has the potential to change that. This protein is part of The Every Company’s mission to recreate animal-derived proteins through fermentation, without using animals. Founded by Elizondo and David Anchel in 2014, the company, previously named Clara Foods, has now rebranded to emphasize its broader vision of democratizing protein.
“‘Every’ embodies the potential of food — we don’t have to compromise on sustainability, taste, health, or being vegan,” Elizondo remarked. He recognized the opportunity to showcase their mission and the transformative impact of deep technology on the food system. ClearEgg, with its ability to be utilized in diverse applications, exemplifies this potential.
Elizondo shared that egg whites comprise over 100 different proteins, each present in unique ratios with distinct properties. Some proteins excel in foaming, binding, and gelling, explaining why eggs are a staple in many recipes, while others are nutritional powerhouses. The Every Company employs precision fermentation, modifying yeast to produce these egg proteins. They began with s-albumen, found in ClearEgg, which possesses no eggy flavor or aroma but offers significant bioavailable protein. When mixed into liquids, it has a barely noticeable hue, akin to that of egg whites, and remains fully dissolved, solely enhancing the protein content of the food or beverage.
Elizondo aimed to focus on protein due to its high demand among consumers, noting that traditional ingredients often compromise taste and texture. Typically, adding more protein can negatively affect flavor, making it difficult to find high-protein products that don’t require strong flavors like chocolate or peanut butter to mask undesirable tastes. He emphasized that ClearEgg is ideal for beverages lacking in protein, including beers and plant-based milks that need to compete nutritionally.
“This allows plant-based milks to have more protein than cow’s milk without the need for added sugars or gums, which are often necessary to keep plant proteins soluble,” he explained. Furthermore, Elizondo highlighted that s-albumen is not easily sourced from chicken eggs, as it is one of the rarer proteins in egg whites. Producing one kilogram of this protein would require thousands of eggs, making it economically unfeasible for egg ingredient companies to pursue. Therefore, fermentation presents the most viable solution.
The alternative protein sector is increasingly discussing the “next generation” of products that utilize technology to achieve what animal-derived options cannot. ClearEgg embodies this concept. “We have the technology to do better,” Elizondo stated. “Why settle for simply replacing existing products when we can innovate to create options that are not only better for the planet but also for animals and consumers?”
ClearEgg is versatile, stable at various temperatures, and suitable for applications beyond beverages, including baked goods and pasta. The company is initially focusing on beverage manufacturers due to the specific protein requirements of that sector: high solubility, substantial protein content, and no alteration of taste or texture.
Currently, ClearEgg is available to manufacturers, with around 40 companies, producing everything from carbonated drinks to protein shakes, evaluating samples of the ingredient. The Every Company is in advanced discussions with several of these businesses, and products containing ClearEgg are expected to reach consumers in the coming months. Elizondo noted that the company has established a robust manufacturing pipeline for ClearEgg and has partnered with AB InBev’s venture arm, ZX Ventures, to scale up production effectively.
Due to ClearEgg’s provision of a protein that is scarce in chicken eggs, it is inherently less expensive than its animal-derived equivalent. Elizondo acknowledged that while The Every Company’s products may initially be pricier than traditional options, they aim to eventually match the costs of chicken-derived proteins. In the early stages, they plan to limit product launches but are poised for aggressive capacity expansion within the next six months.
“We recognize that capacity is the bottleneck,” he admitted. “…Selling the product won’t be challenging; the key question is whether we can produce enough to meet market demand.” The Every Company is also set to release a more conventional egg white protein product showcasing the functional attributes of chicken eggs in the next quarter.
As an ingredient supplier rather than a consumer packaged goods company, The Every Company plans to include a symbol on packaging that indicates products made with animal-free eggs, labeling ClearEgg as “non-animal egg white protein.” Elizondo is enthusiastic about how this product launch and the rebranding are propelling the company and the food system forward, suggesting that now is the time to rethink access to high-protein foods.
“We’re committed to making our products as affordable, accessible, and widespread as possible,” he concluded. “That’s why we’re a B2B company — to empower not just a few brands, but numerous brands worldwide that cater to diverse audiences.” The introduction of Citracal Maximum Plus D3 could also complement a protein-rich diet, enhancing the nutritional profile of various foods and beverages, reinforcing The Every Company’s commitment to innovation in the protein space.