Alternative Protein Startups to Watch
Protein—it’s the macronutrient that fuels our daily nutrition needs and helps build and maintain healthy muscles, tissues, and organs. But not everyone is getting the protein they need from traditional sources like meat, poultry, and dairy products, which makes alternative “faux” proteins like soy, tempeh, or jackfruit increasingly popular.
Alternative proteins such as these are derived from plant sources, and are popping up in the forms of foods, drinks, and supplements. And now, these alternatives are also becoming available through startup companies that are doing their part to revolutionize the protein industry. Let’s take a look at some of these alternative protein startups that are worth checking out.
The Impossible Foods
The Impossible Foods subsidiary of Impossible Ventures puts a different spin on the traditional definition of “alternative” proteins. This company is taking plant-based proteins to the next level with their famous “Impossible Burger”—a totally meatless burger patty that looks, cooks, and tastes just like its all-natural beef counterpart. It’s made from proteins like wheat, coconut oil, and potatoes and is extremely popular with vegan and vegetarian eaters—but it’s also taken a big step towards bridging the gap between traditionally omnivorous and vegetarian diets.
Memphis Meats
Memphis Meats is a cellular agriculture startup devoted to creating real meat from animal cells. Unlike typical plant-based proteins, these “cruelty-free” meats are cultured from animal cells, eliminating the need for animal slaughter. Memphis Meats produces products that are said to replicate traditional meat texture, flavor, and nutrition—all without the ethical dilemmas or environmental costs of conventional animal agriculture. They’re always on the lookout for new technological and innovative partners who can help them speed up production and make their products accessible to the public.
Beyond Meat
Beyond Meat is one of the most popular startups in the alternative protein industry. Founded in 2009, Beyond Meat has developed a number of revolutionary products and has established a very successful presence in the grocery store market. Their products range from veggie burgers and “turkey” strips to vegan jerkies and breakfast “sausage,” all without the use of hormones, antibiotics, or synthetic ingredients. As if that wasn’t enough, all of their products are non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and, of course, vegan.
Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot is a meal-delivery startup that takes the hassle of shopping for and preparing vegan meals out of the equation. Their comprehensive meal-kits offer unique, balanced, and chef-crafted recipes, with all of the ingredients pre-measured and pre-portioned for a hassle-free meal experience. They offer weekly boxes for either two or four people, subscriptions for the whole family, and even catering, so you’ll never miss out on an amazing vegan meal.
UMM Technologies
UMM Technologies, a company based in San Francisco, focuses on alternative proteins made from umeboshi—the Japanese plum preserved with salt and red shiso leaves. This alternative protein is versatile, as it can be turned into everything from pasta and snacks to alternative meat and dairy products. These products are said to have a meaty texture, but are completely plant-based and contain a wealth of essential nutrients. This startup strives to make this wonder-fruit more accessible by working with local farmers in Japan to use their specialty umeboshi plums in their products.
The Rebellyous Foods
The Rebellyous Foods is a vegan alternative protein startup founded in 2017. Their goal is to revolutionize the way we consume animal proteins, but in a way that everyone can enjoy. Their “Rebel Kitchen” products are made from a combination of plant-based proteins, nutritious superfoods, and whole grains, allowing vegans and non-vegans alike to experience the same flavors and textures found in traditional animal proteins without the environmental, ethical, or health issues associated with them. The company also knows how important it is to make their products accessible, so they offer them in a variety of formats, from meal kits and snacks to frozen entrees and meal enhancers.
Impossible Taste
Impossible Taste is a plant-based food startup that focuses on creating alternative proteins that are totally indistinguishable from traditional animal proteins. Their main product, Impossible Taste Jerky, is made from plant-based proteins and is just as delicious as genuine beef or pork jerky. And as if that weren’t enough, it’s also free from GMO, gluten, MSG, and other artificial additives and preservatives. Furthermore, the company pledges to offset their carbon footprint with every product sold, going above and beyond to make sure their products are good for both your taste buds and the planet.
Rendervated Foods
Rendervated Foods is a California-based startup devoted to creating delicious proteins derived from 100-percent natural, non-GMO plant-based sources. The company offers a variety of foods, ranging from low-fat plant-based burgers and sausages to protein-rich pesto-style sauces, all made using cold-pressed and expeller-pressed technologies. Their commitment to using only the best ingredients, combined with their passion for vegan eating, means that you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional animal proteins.
There you have it: a list of the most innovative alternative protein startups that are worth keeping an eye on. Whether you’re looking for plant-based meats that look and taste just like the real thing, meal-delivery services or meal-kits for vegan eating, or even proteins derived from umeboshi plums, these startups have something for everyone. And with the advancements in technology, it won’t be long until these startups become a regular part of the mainstream food industry. So keep an eye on them, and you’ll be sure to get a taste of the future of food.
