Netherlands-based plant-based ingredient manufacturer Fooditive Group aims to change minds about GMO foods through its innovative ingredients. After great success with upcycling its natural sweetener, the company is now expanding into animal-free dairy protein.

"Producing healthy and affordable food for all means that we simply have to look at every aspect of our diets, and animal-free products should definitely play a part. Providing sustainably produced ingredients is the main key to a long-term future that can support the growing population," said Moayad Abushokhedim, founder and CEO of Fooditive.

The company has expanded from making sweeteners to developing a casein powder without animal products using its unique precision fermentation process. Since casein is one of the main proteins in milk, giving it its unique texture, taste and special functionality, the Fooditive team turned to food science to provide an ingredient that encompasses all the characteristics of a true animal protein.

"We know that the production of food-grade genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a constantly debated topic due to a combination of negative consumer perception and corporate distrust. Our goal is to make a change here by showing the food industry and consumers an innovative approach to creating sustainable products," said Niki Karatza, Product Manager of Fooditive.

It is our company's goal to meet the demand for milk in the coming years and to eliminate the disadvantages of factory farming, lactose, hormones and antibiotics. "We believe in making a milk protein that is a little better for everyone," said Moayad Abushokhedim. His extensive scientific background and experience in food fermentation have enabled him to develop a unique process for producing affordable plant-based ingredients - simply by harnessing the magic of fermentation.

The key to producing Fooditive's vegan casein was first and foremost understanding the milk formula. This allowed the team to use fermentation to produce an animal-free version of dairy casein and ensure the process was scalable for the food industry.

Fooditive believes that this ingredient will be groundbreaking in the food industry as it supports the next generation of milk while tasting great. The ingredient is also versatile for a range of products from milk formulations to yoghurt, cream products and cheese to maintain melting properties.

The ingredient will be the first vegan casein available for products in the food industry. There is already an extensive list of food developers and food companies that have come forward to test the ingredient in their products, including some of the major players in the dairy industry. Fooditive plans to launch vegan casein in 2022.

"We are delighted that pioneers and experts in the dairy industry are interested in our vegan casein. We are very excited to see the results in all different products and work together towards revolutionising the food industry," said Moayad Abushokhedim.
www.fooditive.nl

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