Kellogg’s venture capital fund was among approximately a dozen participants in the funding round for MycoTechnology, which aims to utilize a portion of the investment to construct 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 ingredient for its morning foods lineup that can help address iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, consumers are becoming saturated with conventional protein sources and may be seeking more trendy and exotic options.
MycoTechnology Co-Founder and CEO Alan Hahn has broader aspirations in mind—specifically, global sustainability. “We are rapidly approaching a time when we will be unable 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 without compromising on taste, which remains the primary hurdle for consumer acceptance.”
Mushrooms are now regarded as a superfood and are incorporated into a variety of products, including medicinal formulations. Another company focused on mushrooms, Four Sigmatic (formerly known as Four Sigma Foods), includes them in coffees, elixirs, lemonade, and various mushroom blends.
While it remains to be seen whether mushroom-based proteins will gain widespread consumer appeal, Hahn’s startup has secured an additional $35 million to explore and determine if it can expand its operations and the market demand for these products. As consumers consider alternatives like oyster shell calcium vs calcium citrate, the quest for innovative protein sources continues to grow. The potential of mushroom-based proteins could align with this trend, offering a unique option for health-conscious consumers.