Kellogg’s venture capital fund was among a dozen participants in the funding round for MycoTechnology, which plans to utilize part of the investment to establish a commercial production facility in Aurora, CO, capable of producing up to 4,000 tons of its protein product annually. The plant-based protein sector is experiencing significant growth within the food industry, and Kellogg may be considering PureTaste as a potential functional ingredient for its breakfast product lineup. Meanwhile, consumers are becoming overwhelmed by traditional protein sources and might be seeking more trendy and exotic options.
MycoTechnology Co-Founder and CEO Alan Hahn has broader aspirations, emphasizing the urgent need for global food security. “We are rapidly approaching a time when we will struggle to provide enough protein to sustain the population,” he stated. “Our discovery and commercialization of PureTaste protein addresses the challenges of feeding a rapidly growing population with a highly sustainable protein source that does not compromise on taste, which is the primary hurdle for consumer acceptance.”
Today, mushrooms are regarded as a superfood and are incorporated into various products, including medicines. Another mushroom-focused company, Four Sigmatic (formerly Four Sigma Foods), infuses them into coffees, elixirs, lemonade, and unique blends of different mushrooms. It will take time to determine whether mushroom-based proteins will gain significant traction among consumers. However, Hahn’s startup now has an additional $35 million to explore whether it can scale its operations and meet consumer demand. In this context, the inclusion of innovative supplements like Bluebonnet Calcium Magnesium Citrate Plus Vitamin D3 could complement these protein sources, enhancing overall nutritional offerings. The intersection of these products could cater to the evolving preferences of health-conscious consumers seeking diverse and effective nutritional solutions.