As Americans sink their teeth into everything protein, companies are scrambling to boost this macronutrient in their products from a range of sources.
One startup has turned to air. Fermenta, a health and performance nutrition startup, has tapped the Solein protein developed by Finnish firm Solar Foods, which is made by fermenting carbon dioxide, hydrogen and oxygen.
Fermenta will release a line of gluten-free Solein-powered protein bars under its Gutsy brand, marking one of the first times the ingredient will be available in the US. It is set to roll out in Q1 2026.
“We want to create delightful moments for consumers and offer sustainable and clean products that support digestive wellness and are high in protein, vegan-friendly and contain less sugar,” said Fermenta CEO John Gibb. “Solein is a groundbreaking new ingredient which supports our sustainability ambition and offers exceptional nutritional values with no compromise on taste.”
Why Solein makes the perfect base for Fermenta’s protein bars
Why Solein makes the perfect base for Fermenta’s protein bars
Solar Foods produces Solein by feeding microbes on gases instead of sugar, eschewing the need for farmland, water for irrigation, and fertilisers and pesticides. The microbes are grown in a liquid form, and later dried into a flavourless powder that has 78% protein, 6% fat, and 10% dietary fibre. Its macronutrient profile is said to be akin to dried soy or algae, and it contains iron and B vitamins.
The company calls Solein the “most sustainable protein” on Earth. The main raw materials for production are carbon dioxide and renewable energy, resulting in emissions equal to just 1% of those generated by conventional meat, and 20% of plant proteins.
Aside from the environmental wins, Solar Foods’ deep-yellow ingredient delivers on the nutrition front. It has all nine essential amino acids, zero cholesterol or saturated fat, and is packed with iron and vitamin B12. Plus, the powder has a mild flavour, making it an ideal base for a variety of products.
“Solein is an extremely versatile ingredient, and Fermenta’s functional protein bars are one example of how Solein works in final products,” said Troels Nørgaard, chief commercial and product officer at Solar Foods.
“As an agile startup, Fermenta will be among the first to bring products made with Solein available for consumers in the US. We are very excited to see what kinds of products Solein will be used in in the future.”