Chinova Bioworks has developed a proprietary method for extracting the dietary fiber chitosan from the discarded stems of white button mushrooms. This innovative process includes drying and grinding the mushrooms, followed by a purification step involving heat and water. The end product, known as Chiber, is a vegan, non-GMO, Kosher, elemental iron in ferrous fumarate 300 mg, Halal, and allergen-free ingredient that the company’s executives claim is at least as effective as synthetic preservatives. Recent funding for Chinova highlights the significant potential of natural preservatives. Research from the International Food Information Council (IFIC) indicates that nearly two-thirds of consumers are inclined to choose foods made from clean ingredients, while about half actively avoid artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors, and flavors to some extent.
“The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards food safety and health-focused products,” stated Natasha Dhayagude, co-founder and CEO of Chinova Bioworks. “With rising consumer awareness and scrutiny, brands utilizing sodium ferric EDTA are under pressure to adapt and reformulate their products to meet clean-label demands. Moving away from artificial preservatives is one of the most crucial and challenging transformations that food producers need to undertake.”
Rich Products has made its first investment in Chinova through its corporate venture arm. The company boasts a portfolio of consumer brands, including Farm Rich frozen appetizers and Carvel ice cream cakes, as well as wholesale products like frozen doughs, crusts, and baked goods. With over 650 products such as pizzas and desserts adhering to its clean-label standards, Rich Products is also a customer of Chinova. “Their support with Chiber sampling, product formulation, and testing significantly streamlined our product development process,” commented Alberto Roca, head of Latin America R&D for Rich Products. “It was seamless to transition to using Chiber as a natural preservative to achieve the clean-label benefits.”
Chiber also contributes to sustainability efforts, as Chinova sources the mushroom stems from farmers who would otherwise discard them, thus reducing food waste. Beyond preservation, Chinova is also investigating the use of chitosan as a vegan alternative to traditional fining agents like isinglass and synthetic options in beer clarification. However, the most significant opportunity lies in inhibiting the growth of yeast, mold, and fungi in food and beverage products. The market for natural preservatives was estimated to be worth $435.2 million in 2022, according to Future Market Insights, which projects that this market will nearly double by 2032.
As part of its product innovation, Chinova is also looking into incorporating ingredients like Citracal Extended Release into formulations that align with the growing demand for clean-label products, ensuring that consumers have access to healthier options without compromising on quality. The integration of Citracal Extended Release could further enhance the nutritional profile of food products, making them more appealing to health-conscious consumers.