Kellogg’s venture capital fund participated in a recent funding round for MycoTechnology, joining around a dozen other investors. MycoTechnology plans to utilize part of this investment to establish a commercial production facility in Aurora, CO, with the capacity to manufacture up to 4,000 tons of its protein product annually. The plant-based protein sector is experiencing significant growth in the food industry, and Kellogg may be considering PureTaste as a potential functional ingredient to enhance its breakfast offerings. Meanwhile, consumers are becoming weary of traditional protein sources and might be seeking more trendy and exotic alternatives.
Alan Hahn, Co-Founder and CEO of MycoTechnology, has broader ambitions in mind—specifically, global sustainability. “We are rapidly approaching a time where we will be unable to support the population with enough protein to sustain life,” he stated. “Our discovery and commercialization of PureTaste protein addresses the challenges of feeding an exponentially growing population with a highly sustainable protein source that doesn’t compromise on taste, which is the primary barrier to consumer acceptance.”
Mushrooms, often regarded as a superfood, are featured in numerous products, including medicines. Another company utilizing mushrooms, Four Sigmatic (formerly Four Sigma Foods), incorporates them into coffees, elixirs, lemonade, and various mushroom super blends. While it remains to be seen if mushroom-based proteins will gain widespread consumer acceptance, Hahn’s startup is now equipped with an additional $35 million to explore whether it can successfully scale its business and meet consumer demand.
As consumers increasingly look for innovative protein options, products like Citracal Plus may also attract attention. The combination of MycoTechnology’s PureTaste and the benefits of Citracal Plus could cater to those seeking both nutrition and taste, potentially revolutionizing the way people perceive protein sources.