Plants Based Steaks From Germany

A new company, Eaden Project (https://www.projecteaden.com/), based in Berlin is developing a beef alternative using a fiber spinning technology that exists in textiles and other technology industries. Pea protein is “spun” into minute threads and combined with vegetable fats to create a marbled look and texture.

The company states that the process uses 95% land and water resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 85% versus real beef.

Current plant based meats are made using an extrusion process and 3D printing processes are now being developed as well and, of course, there are lab gown meats that have been under development for years now. This fiber spinning technology seems to have promise for volume production as well as making (some of) us forget about real steaks and roasts, while reducing environmental impacts on our world.

Their products are not ready for sale just yet and I did not see target dates on their website, but this is something to keep an eye on for the future. Also, I have to say that the company website does not provide much information, but if the company is successful I am sure you will hear more soon.

Plant Based Chocolate Bars with “Sweet Proteins” Coming Soon

A company called Oobli (https://oobli.com/), formerly Joywell Foods, is bringing Chocolate Bars to market with sweet proteins derived through a special fermentation process to produce products that they say are “70% lower in sugar” than other bars. So little of the sweet protein is used that you don’t really get any protein in your diet from the bars.

Ingredients in the bars, as listed on the Oobli website are: Unsweetened Chocolate, Chicory Root Fiber, Organic Coconut Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Ground Vanilla Beans, and Oubli Fruit Sweet Protein. Oubli is a plant that grows in West Africa and its berries are apparently very sweet.

There is a list of reasons to avoid sugar, both for your health and for the environment and these bars tick a few other boxes that consumers may care about, such as: vegan, gluten free, nut/soy free, including the processing equipment, and even kosher!

More than a “better” chocolate bar, this company is an example of the technology employed and diversity of plant based alternatives, as well as the fact that these kinds of ideas are attracting venture capital funding.

The bars can be pre-ordered now on the company’s website. They are pricey at $17 for 3 of the 2.3 oz bars, but something to keep an eye on.

The numbers for a half bar: 150 calories, 3 g of added sugars, 9g fiber and 3g of protein vs 190 calories/5g sugars/4g fiber/3g protein of a similar helping of a Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Lovers Bar.