Sustainability Rating Scheme Encourages Restaurants To Source Responsibly, Treat Staff And Environme

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Demand for plant-based protein
Plant-based protein is becoming increasingly popular among both vegetarian and non-vegetarian consumers. Its demand in the U.S. surged by 20 percent last year, as consumers now perceive plant-based proteins as a better alternative and a valuable addition to their diet.

One of the many startups working toward a meatless future is Nutriati, a company producing plant-based proteins and gluten-free flour ingredients. The company’s processing capabilities guarantee a premium taste, texture and nutritional profiles that were previously unimaginable.

Partnering with PLT Health Solutions, a corporation supporting many small ingredient innovators, the company is now working to introduce its first two flagship products to the market: a protein concentrate derived from chickpeas and a high protein, gluten-free chickpea flour.

Healthier sweeteners on the rise
With the average American consuming 126.4 grams of sugar a day, obesity, diabetes and other health risks have become a serious concern. One of the major challenges that entrepreneurs face in addressing this issue is lowering sugar content in foods without compromising the taste.

Nutrition Innovation has stood up to the challenge. The company has developed a low-glycemic natural cane sugar product through a patent-protected process that retains the antioxidants and minerals naturally present in cane sugar, such as magnesium and calcium.

The company claims its product reduces sugar intake by up to 70 percent. Thanks to this innovative approach, Nutrition Innovation raised $5 million from investors, and established partnerships with food and beverage companies across the world.

Reducing fat in foods without losing the taste
Another obvious health concern is associated with fat consumption, as fast food chains are often the popular choice for many consumers.

Enter Epogee, a startup that has created an ingredient that has basically the same taste, texture and fat ratio as cocoa, yet has only 30 percent to 40 percent of its calories. The company uses natural oils to produce a fat substitute using the firm’s patented technologies to transform the elements that make fat: glycerol and fatty acids.

The extraordinary success has garnered the attention of Blommer Chocolate Company, the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America. The startup also recently earned an $8.3 million investment from HG Ventures.

Sustainability and ethics
Responsible consumption, a trend causing an avalanche among millennials and Gen Z on social media, has made consumers more aware of the origin and contents of the foods they purchase. With growing concern over climate change and sustainability of our lifestyles, consumers are incredibly curious about how products arrived on their plate: they want to know the whole story.

Thus, companies that are able to demonstrate sustainable, cruelty-free and ethical production have a strategic advantage over those that do not. Some food startups are even going far beyond alternative proteins.

For instance, WEEDit, a spot sprayer technology, was built to identify weeds and apply herbicide only where needed. Beneficially contributing to the ecosystem, the targeted approach only sprays 18 percent of a farmer’s crop area, reducing chemical use drastically.

For corporations, this can bring immense cost savings. For consumers, it appeals to their eco-friendly conscience.

By Andrew Thomson
December 27, 2019
Source: Startupnation.com