Solein – The Food made purely from microbes and energy
You read that right! Finnish food tech company Solar Foods has officially introduced Solein, a sustainable protein, to the public for the first time through a tasting session in Singapore. This significant occasion in the F&B industry is being hailed as a historic day, highlighting the potential of this groundbreaking protein that is produced from the air. In September 2022, Solein obtained its initial approval as a novel food in Singapore. Solar Foods partnered with The Lo & Behold Group, a hospitality company, for the tasting event, which took place at Fico, their newest restaurant.
Solein, a powdered protein with high microbial content, encompasses all the essential amino acids. It has the capacity to substitute existing proteins in a wide range of food products, including alternative dairy and meat, various snacks and beverages, noodles and pasta, as well as breads and spreads. What sets Solein apart is that it represents the first-ever novel food that transcends the limitations of conventional agriculture. The production of Solein involves a bioprocess in which microbes are nourished with gases (carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen), along with small quantities of nutrients. This bioprocess bears resemblance to the process of winemaking, where carbon dioxide and hydrogen take the place of sugar as the sources of carbon and energy, respectively. Solein boasts a protein content of 65% to 70%, fat content of 5% to 8%, dietary fiber content of 10% to 15%, and mineral nutrient content of 3% to 5%. The macronutrient composition of Solein cells closely resembles that of dried soy or algae. Producing Solein is similar to the process of fermentation with the end product being dried and made into a powder form with a distinct yellow hue (similar to turmeric). Solein can also come in liquid form and in a block format similar to cheese though currently it is limited to powder form.
The Commercialization of Solein
In 2024, the inaugural commercial-scale production facility for Solein, known as Factory 01, will be established in Finland. This facility will initiate the production of the innovative protein for various applications. By enhancing the production capacity, Solar Foods anticipates a substantial reduction in the cost of producing Solein. Factory 01 will enable the scaling of Solein production to a level where it can be introduced to the market for the first time, and Solar Foods plans to further expand its network of production facilities in the forthcoming years. Although Solein does require ingredients beyond electricity and air, the limited amount of these additional ingredients represents a highly promising development for the future.
Microbe Based Food – Future of Food Tech?
Microbe-based food, such as Solein, is emerging as a groundbreaking alternative to conventional food sources and holds tremendous promise for addressing future food challenges. Solein, a protein-rich food created from microbes, offers a sustainable and efficient solution to feed an ever-growing global population while mitigating environmental impact.
While microbe-based food is still in its early stages of development and commercialization, its potential impact on the future of food cannot be overlooked. As we face challenges such as population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity, exploring innovative and sustainable food alternatives like Solein opens doors to a more resilient and environmentally friendly food system. With ongoing research and development, microbe-based food holds the promise of revolutionizing the way we produce and consume food, paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future. Would you try Solein or any other Microbe Based Food?
Comments