NextFerm gears up for 2022 launch of neutral-tasting yeast-derived vegan protein with PDCAAS score of 1.0

Samples of ProteVin​​ produced at pilot scale were analyzed by independent laboratories, an internal team of taste testers and a potential customer, and found to match the qualities of the lab-scale product, CEO Boaz Noy told FoodNavigator-USA.

“We bring the market a water-dispersible, non-allergenic, non-GMO vegan protein with nutritional value higher than other plant-based proteins and comparable to animal-derived proteins​,” added Noy, who is in discussions with several potential subcontractors about manufacturing the product at commercial scale to support a 2022 launch.

“I’ve spent 20 years in food tech, but I feel like this is the first time I’ve been at the center of the biggest trend, which is alternative protein. ProteVin is vegan, but has animal-like nutritional value, but also comes with a neutral taste and flavor, which is one of the most important factors for food companies.”​

ProteVin – a neutral-tasting, off-white powdered protein, which is extracted from the yeast biomass – contains 75% protein (but could potentially go up to 83%), and has a similar nutritional value to animal protein with a PDCAAS score of 1.0, added Noy, who said ProteVin could be used in infant, sports, and adult nutrition products along with meat and dairy alternatives.

NextFerm – which was founded in 2014 by former executives at functional ingredients firm Enzymotec– also makes Astaferm​​, an astaxanthin-based antioxidant derived from yeast that has been sold in the US since late last year through well-established brands in the US dietary supplement market, said Noy, while the company has also licensed products to global yeast giant Lallemand.