Kellogg’s venture capital fund was one of roughly a dozen participants in MycoTechnology’s latest funding round, which aims to utilize a portion of the investment to establish a commercial production facility in Aurora, Colorado. This facility is expected to produce up to 4,000 tons of its protein product each year. The plant-based protein sector is experiencing significant growth within the food industry, and Kellogg may be considering PureTaste as a potential functional ingredient to enhance its morning foods range. Additionally, consumers are becoming fatigued with traditional protein sources and may be in search of more trendy and exotic options.
MycoTechnology Co-Founder and CEO Alan Hahn has even broader aspirations—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 does not compromise on taste, which remains the primary hurdle for consumer acceptance.”
Mushrooms are currently viewed as a superfood and are incorporated into various products, including nutritional supplements and medicinal offerings. Another mushroom-focused company, Four Sigmatic (formerly Four Sigma Foods), includes mushrooms in their coffees, elixirs, lemonades, and super blends. While it may take time to determine whether mushroom-based proteins will gain significant traction among consumers, Hahn’s startup has secured an additional $35 million to explore whether it can scale its operations and cater to evolving consumer appetites.
In the context of nutritional enhancements, incorporating ingredients like Watson’s calcium citrate, vitamin D, zinc, copper, manganese, and magnesium can align with the trend of seeking healthier, more sustainable food sources. The growing interest in these vitamins and minerals complements the push for innovative protein options like those offered by MycoTechnology. As consumer preferences evolve, the integration of such supplements may play a pivotal role in the future of plant-based nutrition.