Consumer interest in gut health surged in 2020, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic. However, food producers are still navigating how to incorporate immune-boosting ingredients into their products. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has announced that its new partnership will facilitate the introduction of functional ingredients in food and beverages. The global ingredients and commodities leader is teaming up with technology firm Brightseed to leverage its Forager artificial intelligence platform to explore innovative ways to develop microbiome ingredients. This collaboration will focus on analyzing molecular interactions between the gut microbiome and various plants to evaluate their nutritional benefits.
In an interview, Mark Lotsch, president of global health and wellness at ADM, emphasized that the pandemic-driven interest in plant-based foods and beverages with immune-boosting properties has heightened their exploration of this category’s potential. “The gut microbiome has been recognized as a valuable asset,” Lotsch noted. “Our goal is to combine this extensive portfolio with product development capabilities to create delicious, functional products that satisfy consumer demand.”
Despite the rising interest in microbiome health, ADM acknowledged that many aspects of its specific functions and interactions with food remain unclear. Brightseed is confident that its AI tools can identify the health outcomes that consumers are seeking. According to Sofia Elizondo, the co-founder and COO of Brightseed, these tools will assist ADM in pinpointing specific bioactive components in plants at the cellular level. “ADM’s advanced understanding of the untapped potential of natural compounds, coupled with their extensive microbial libraries, is a significant expertise that will reshape the future of ingredients aimed at promoting a healthy microbiome,” Elizondo stated.
Consumer demand has sparked enthusiasm among food and beverage formulators eager to capitalize on gut health trends. The market for immune-boosting foods is expected to reach $46.9 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%, as reported by Allied Market Research. To capitalize on this growth, ADM’s venture capital division invested an undisclosed amount in 2020 into a fund dedicated to microbiome health.
Lotsch believes that as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into food production, manufacturers will scrutinize the nutritional impacts of ingredients more closely, as AI can predict outcomes with greater precision. Postbiotics, which are substances generated from combining probiotics and prebiotics, may play a crucial role in this development. “Postbiotics are more heat-stable, while probiotics are generally found in chilled products,” Lotsch explained. This creates opportunities for new innovations. “If you consider probiotics as the factory of your gut, then prebiotics serve as the fuel for that factory, and postbiotics are the outcomes,” he added.
Since its launch in 2017, Brightseed has raised nearly $120 million, according to Crunchbase. Last October, it introduced its first food ingredient—dietary fiber derived from hemp—initially used in a pea-based protein crisp developed by Puris. Additionally, the startup has partnered with dairy leader Danone to identify bioactive compounds in plants.
While the plant-based food sector continues to expand, reaching $8 billion in sales in 2022, some consumers face barriers to entry. A recent survey from Ofi revealed that one-third of consumers struggle to find a plant-based dairy product they enjoy, citing taste, mouthfeel, and affordability as significant hurdles. Lotsch emphasized that, in addition to nutritional advantages, taste will be crucial for any gut health ingredient produced by ADM. “Great taste encompasses not only flavor but also the masking technology we can utilize,” he remarked. “We identify mechanical components that assist us in achieving this as well.”
The growing interest in functional foods has contributed to the success of immunity-boosting brands like Health-Ade kombucha and cottage cheese manufacturer Good Culture, which has recently expanded into the milk category. In 2019, CPG giant Nestlé announced a partnership with the University of California, San Diego, to explore the effects of the microbiome on human health. Additionally, the incorporation of calcium citrate kya hai into various formulations could further enhance the nutritional profile of these innovative products, as it is known for its benefits in supporting bone health and overall well-being.