okara

Flinders University kelp

©Flinders University

Market & Trends

Whole Foods Market Names Kelp, Dates and Non-Dairy Milk Pulp as Top 2023 Food Trends

Whole Foods Market has released its eighth annual food trend predictions for the upcoming year. Compiling insights from over 50 Whole Foods team members, including culinary experts and regional and global buyers, the retail chain has identified nondairy milk pulp, kelp and dates as some of the biggest plant-based trends for 2023.  Nondairy milk sales continue to soar, and social media influencers are exploring new ways to make use of by-products from soy, oat and almond milk production. As TikTok creators discover inventive ways to upcycle leftovers from nut and seed-based milks, brands such as Renewal Mill are releasing baking mixes made with upcycled milk pulp, such as okara flour. Whole Foods also plans to release oatmeal chocolate chip cookies made from upcycled oats in …

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okara in bowl

© Caito - stock.adobe.com
Cheese Alternatives

Former Shell Director Set to Develop Cheese Made From Upcycled Okara

A Singapore food partnership between Republic Polytechnic (RP) and Hafnium Ventures subsidiary SoiLabs is aiming to develop soy cheese made from the upcycled soy by-product okara using proprietary technology. Hafnium Ventures Hafnium Ventures and Republic Polytechnic (RP) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the former injecting US$144,000 of capital towards the initiative. Hafnium Ventures, the foodtech division of investment company Hafnium Hafaway, is the parent company of SoiLabs. Hafnium Hafaway is known for favouring startups in food technology, natural materials, and specialty chemicals sectors. According to The PEAK, when the former Shell senior executive Francis Tan launched the private equity firm Hafnium Hafaway with his co-founders in 2017, he focused on companies in the chemical sector. However, as he started to deal with …

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Meat made from upcycled okara © Luya Foods AG
Products & Launches

Coop Switzerland Launches Luya’s “New Category Defining” Upcycled Meat Alternatives

Coop Switzerland is now offering upcycled meat alternative chunks made with okara, a byproduct of tofu and soy milk waste, produced by Swiss startup Luya Foods. Last November, Luya closed a seed round led by Redalpine Venture Partners, stating at the time its mission to redefine the plant-based protein space by creating a new category of animal-free, alt meat products created through the fermentation of upcycled okara. The startup is using the funding to expand production, develop new products, and expand retail footprint.   Repurposing okara Worldwide, over 14 million tonnes of okara are wasted annually, despite its high nutritional value. Through its collaboration with Luya, Coop Switzerland hopes to reduce food waste and improve sustainability. The chain already offers over 1,200 plant-based products, including …

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Luya Foods

© Luya Foods AG
Investments & Finance

Luya Foods Closes Seed Round For Meat Created From Upcycled Okara

Luya Foods AG, a spin-off from the Swiss BFH, has successfully completed its first seed round. Luya says it is redefining the plant-based protein space by creating a new category of animal-free, alt meat products created through the fermentation of upcycled okara. Luya defines itself as a flavourful plant-based alternative to meat that doesn’t try to be meat. Luya Foods upcycles organic okara, a by-product of tofu and soy milk production, of which more than 14 million tonnes end up in waste worldwide every year despite its high nutritional value and fibre content. Luya has developed its own proprietary process – a combination of traditional fermentation methods and modern technology – to rescue okara and turn it into delicious food. The first products are ready-to-cook chunks …

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