Oobli, a startup offering sugar alternatives, has announced a partnership with Ingredion, a major player in the ingredients industry. This collaboration aims to ramp up production of Oobli’s sweet proteins, following the company’s regulatory approval last year. The biotech firm is looking to broaden the market for its plant-based sweeteners.
By teaming up with Ingredion, Oobli can introduce its alternative sweeteners to a wider range of food companies seeking to reduce or replace sugar in their products. The two companies have been working on developing various products together, exploring opportunities in the sweet proteins and natural sweeteners market, including stevia.
“We’re working together to create healthier sweets and make them accessible to more people,” said Oobli CEO Ali Wing in an interview with Food Dive. “The partnership brings together synergies that make perfect sense. We can offer complete solutions to help each other.”
Oobli’s protein-based sweeteners have the potential to replace a significant portion of sugar in beverages and food items such as sodas, baked goods, and candies. Derived from two types of West African berries, these natural sweeteners are up to 2,000 times sweeter than sucrose, positioning them as a cost-effective and healthier alternative to traditional sugar.
With Ingredion’s support, Oobli can introduce its innovative sweeteners to more food companies interested in reducing sugar content. The partnership has already led to the testing of several co-developed products, exploring market opportunities for sweet proteins and other natural sweeteners like stevia.
Ingredion’s Vice President and General Manager of Sugar Reduction and Fiber Fortification, Nate Yates, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We have been at the forefront of sugar reduction innovation, and our work with sweet proteins marks a new chapter in this journey.”
In a significant milestone, Oobli became the first company to secure regulatory approval for selling sweet proteins as a sweetening option. The FDA has designated two of Oobli’s sweet proteins as “generally recognized as safe.”
Established in 2014, Oobli has gained momentum in providing sweetener solutions as consumer demand for protein-rich diets increases. In addition to the partnership with Ingredion, Oobli also announced securing $18 million in funding from new investors.
Although Oobli’s sweeteners do not contribute significantly to protein intake due to the small quantity required, CEO Ali Wing highlights the health benefits of these proteins’ biological composition.
Unlike sugars, which are easily digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, proteins are broken down before absorption, resulting in less impact on blood glucose levels in healthy individuals. Oobli’s proteins mimic small molecules by activating taste receptors associated with sweetness, providing a unique approach to sweetening products.
Furthermore, sweet proteins offer sustainability advantages compared to sugar farming, which has been linked to deforestation. Oobli’s solution aims to offer consumers their favorite sweets with a reduced impact on health and the environment.
“Our goal is to provide you with the sweet treats you love in a way that benefits us all,” Wing stated, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering a healthier and more sustainable sweetening option.