In a time marked by food insecurity and significant change, Nuritas, a food tech company, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of billions worldwide. By harnessing artificial intelligence, the company aims to refine and expedite the discovery of plant-based peptide ingredients. Established in 2014, Nuritas recently secured $42 million in Series C funding and currently offers two products on the market, with additional items in the pipeline. In a recent discussion with Food Dive, Nuritas Founder and CEO Dr. Nora Khaldi elaborated on the company’s vision and the transformative potential of AI in the food industry.
FOOD DIVE: Could you elaborate on Nuritas and its mission?
DR. NORA KHALDI: At Nuritas, our objective is to supply the essential ingredients found in everyday products. Ingredients form the cornerstone of food, yet many existing options were developed decades ago, primarily for taste and cost considerations. They often fail to meet contemporary consumer needs for health and nutrition. Our aim is to change this by employing AI to create novel, functional ingredients that promote well-being while being cost-effective and sustainable.
How does AI play a role in your ingredient discovery process?
Traditionally, discovering and developing new ingredients takes decades and costs millions. A decade ago, we were pioneers in integrating AI into this field, which allows us to expedite the process. Our proprietary platform, Magnifier, utilizes advanced machine learning and a comprehensive dataset of molecules to identify natural peptides with specific health benefits. These molecules are optimized for stability and scalability, ensuring their efficacy in real-world food applications.
Can you provide an example of how your AI technology has led to the discovery of a new ingredient?
A notable example is PeptiStrong, which is derived from fava beans. Conventional ingredients are often designed for taste or texture rather than consumer demand. However, there is a growing need for products that enhance strength and overall health. While fava beans offer some health benefits, we utilize AI to isolate peptides within them that support muscle health, strength, and bone density. Our technology has made these peptides accessible, stable, and effective for human consumption.
Do your ingredients solely focus on functional health benefits, or do they also enhance taste and texture?
Our platform is quite adaptable. Although health is a primary focus—targeting areas such as muscle health, sleep enhancement, and the reduction of sugar impact—we also work on improving taste, texture, and shelf life. For example, we collaborate with brands to replace artificial sweeteners or preservatives with natural, functional alternatives, including calcium citrate salt to enhance nutritional value.
What are the primary challenges in ingredient discovery?
The complexity involved is the main challenge. Traditional methods are linear and time-consuming, often leading to dead ends after years of research. AI revolutionizes this by processing millions of variables simultaneously, allowing for the rapid identification of viable ingredients. For instance, developing PeptiStrong without AI would have taken an estimated 30 million years due to the myriad dimensions considered in ingredient development.
What trends are shaping the future of ingredient development?
We are observing a rising consumer demand for ingredients that bolster muscle health, longevity, and energy. Muscle loss, which begins around the age of 28, affects strength, energy, and overall health. Addressing this through nutrition can greatly enhance quality of life. Other trends include solutions for anxiety, sleep issues, and reducing the effects of high-glycemic foods on metabolic health, including the incorporation of calcium citrate salt for improved mineral absorption.
Who are your key partners, and what products utilize your ingredients?
As a B2B company, we collaborate with brands across various sectors, including dietary supplements, sports nutrition, medical foods, and cosmetics. For instance, PeptiStrong is featured in bars and supplements, while PeptiYouth is included in a range of skincare products.
What does the future hold for Nuritas?
Our mission is to enhance the lives of billions by reintegrating health and nutrition into everyday consumption. While we are currently reaching tens of millions, we envision our functional ingredients becoming staples in every product, ultimately transforming the global food and health landscape.