Perfect Day, a company that makes animal-identical proteins using precision fermentation, and Natreve, a wellness and nutrition company, have partnered to produce MOOLESS, a protein powder made with animal-free whey protein.
In 2020, the FDA approved Perfect Day’s animal-free whey protein made from β-lactoglobulin (the company’s proprietary protein) for human consumption. This GRAS letter allowed the start-up to sell its alternative dairy protein to CPG companies to create novel products – and that’s exactly what Perfect Day has been doing as of recently. Last month Perfect Day launched a cake mix with animal-free whey through its Urgent Company.
MOOLESS is the most recent product to make use of Perfect Day’s animal-free whey protein, which is molecularly identical to conventional whey protein. According to the companies, this will be the first animal-free whey protein powder on the market that also provides the same nutritional benefits of whey, while also offering a lower environmental footprint. A single serving of the alternative protein powder will provide 20 grams of protein
Whey protein is commonly found in meal replacement shakes, protein powders, and protein bars. Dairy-free and vegan products often use pea, soy, rice, and hemp to boost their protein content, but the protein content can sometimes fall short of what whey protein is able to provide. MOOLESS is a vegan product because it is not animal-based, but it is not suitable for those with dairy allergy.
Perfect Day has proven that precision fermentation is a viable technology for creating alternative protein products that are identical to their conventional counterparts. Other companies, like Formo, Imagindairy, and Change Foods, are also using precision fermentation to produce, but have yet to bring any products to market.
MOOLESS will come in four flavors: Vanilla Bean Cupcake, Cookies and Cream, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. The alternative protein powder is set to launch in early 2022 with a major U.S. retailer as well as on Natreve’s website.
Perfect Day has been on a hot streak as of late. Not only did the company launch their new cake mix last month, but their partnership with Natreve comes just weeks after the news that Starbucks would trial the company’s precision fermented milk at two Starbucks locations in the Seattle market.
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