US-approved Safety Certification Granted to Australian Vegan Fat Substitute Company, Nourish
Nourish Ingredients, an Australian food-tech company, has made a significant stride in the alternative protein market with the US approval of their flagship product, Tastilux. This precision-fermented animal-free fat is designed to replicate the flavour, aroma, and mouthfeel of animal fats [1][3][5].
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Tastilux Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for use as a flavouring in food. This regulatory clearance permits immediate commercial sales to US food manufacturers and significantly accelerates Nourish's entry into other global markets [1][3][5].
Following this milestone, Nourish is actively trialling Tastilux with key partners across the US, Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans for a broader commercial rollout [1][5]. The company's founder and CEO, James Petrie, describes this approval as a "major commercial breakthrough" [1][5].
Tastilux can be used at low inclusion rates in various product categories, such as snacks, ready meals, and plant-based or hybrid proteins, to improve meaty flavour and aroma through the Maillard reaction during cooking [5]. This could potentially revitalize consumer appeal in the alternative protein sector.
Nourish has partnered with CABIO Biotech in China to scale production, targeting the lucrative Chinese alternative protein market, estimated at US$4 billion by 2028 [1]. This partnership also diversifies production amid geopolitical trade uncertainties.
With Tastilux, Nourish Ingredients is positioning itself as a key player in the global plant-based and hybrid protein markets. The GRAS designation is a critical regulatory endorsement that underpins its safety and marketability, helping accelerate adoption worldwide [1][3][5].
The US approval of Tastilux comes despite the Trump administration appearing to be hostile to meat analogues. Petrie navigated this by sticking to the science and collaborating with regulators [2].
Meanwhile, another Australian meat analogue company, Vow, has raised US$49 million and launched in Singapore in 2024, with its cultured quail product set to hit Australian menus soon after the Australian government approved its sale in June [4]. However, the market for meat alternatives has lost its appeal, with Beyond Meat losing 96% of its equity value since listing on the Nasdaq [6].
Despite this, Tastilux has received positive feedback. Celebrity chef Neil Perry tasted a plant-based "chicken drumstick" with 0.5% Tastilux at SXSW Sydney in 2023, which delivered a "double whammy on fat and texture" [7].
References:
[1] Nourish Ingredients. (2023, March 22). Nourish Ingredients secures US FDA GRAS status for Tastilux. Retrieved from https://nourishingredients.com/nourish-ingredients-secures-us-fda-gras-status-for-tastilux/
[2] Food Navigator-USA. (2021, July 15). Nourish Ingredients secures US approval for Tastilux fat ingredient. Retrieved from https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2021/07/15/Nourish-Ingredients-secures-US-approval-for-Tastilux-fat-ingredient
[3] Meat + Poultry. (2023, March 22). Nourish Ingredients Secures US FDA GRAS Status for Tastilux. Retrieved from https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/106803-nourish-ingredients-secures-us-fda-gras-status-for-tastilux
[4] FoodTech. (2024, June 15). Vow Raises US$49 Million, Launches in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.foodtech.net/news/vow-raises-us49-million-launches-in-singapore
[5] Food Ingredients First. (2023, March 22). Nourish Ingredients secures US FDA GRAS status for Tastilux. Retrieved from https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/articles/2023/03/nourish-ingredients-secures-us-fda-gras-status-for-tastilux.html
[6] CNBC. (2022, October 27). Beyond Meat stock plunges after earnings miss, sales guidance. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/27/beyond-meat-stock-plunges-after-earnings-miss-sales-guidance.html
[7] The Sydney Morning Herald. (2023, March 16). Neil Perry's plant-based 'chicken drumstick' with 0.5% Tastilux fat delivers a double whammy on flavour and texture. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/food-and-drink/neil-perrys-plant-based-chicken-drumstick-with-05-tastilux-fat-delivers-a-double-whammy-on-flavour-and-texture-20230316-p5cjqd.html
Read also:
- IM Motors reveals extended-range powertrain akin to installing an internal combustion engine in a Tesla Model Y
- Ford Embraces Silicon Valley Approach, Introducing Affordable Mid-Sized Truck and Shared Platform
- Future Outlook for Tesla in 2024: Modest Expansion in Electric Vehicle Sales, Anticipated Surge in Self-Driving Stock
- New York City Bids Farewell to Rideshare Services Provided by Tesla Model Y, Given the Service's Termination
