Ingredient supplier MycoTechnology announced that the European Commission granted Novel Food status to FermentIQ MLL and PTP, two of its plant protein ingredients. The FermentIQ range of ingredients uses a patented mycelial fermentation platform to improve sensory, functional, and nutritional attributes of plant protein. The authorization follows a positive opinion issued this year by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which said it considered the ingredients to be safe for use in a wide range of food and beverage categories.
 
FermentIQ is a pea and rice protein blend which comes in the core version (PTP) formulated for protein beverages, and milled version (MLL) ideal for dairy alternatives, and a texturized version (TXP) designed for meat analogues.
 
MycoTechnology, which is based in the U.S., reports that it is set to expand into Europe more quickly. It has hired its first European sales representatives based in Germany and the Netherlands, and partnered with Brenntag for distribution in the region.
 
The company’s expansion into Europe will be supported by its recent Series E fundraiser, which generated $85 million. Its portfolio of FermentIQ plant proteins and ClearIQ flavor clarifiers are now available in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia.
 
“Authorization means we can now offer food and beverage manufacturers access to our cutting-edge plant protein in Europe for the first time,” said Alan Hahn, CEO of MycoTechnology. “FermentIQ is a transformative, game-changing plant protein with multiple application and nutritional advantages over other plant protein ingredients. It enables brands to overcome the technical and taste barriers associated with other plant proteins, providing consumers with a compelling reason to switch.”
 
“Harnessing the power of mushroom mycelia to produce high quality plant protein is perfectly aligned with both consumer expectations and the EU’s commitment to sustainability and food security. It’s little surprise, then, that we are already in conversations with leading food industry players in Europe to formulate and commercialize products containing FermentIQ plant protein.
 
FermentIQ MLL and PTP each have a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1 for individuals who are three and older. The ingredient also comes with a reduced anti-nutrient content and a strong digestive profile, allowing for 99.9% of protein consumed to be digested, according to the company.
 
A recent study found that MycoTechnology’s fermentation process improved protein quality by more than 20% for children aged three and up, adolescents, and adults, based on the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS).