In 2009 a group of scientists on a NASA-funded mission in Yellowstone National Park discovered the “Fy” protein, a microbe that naturally contains all 20 amino acids, making it a complete protein. Within the next few years, the scientists accepted grants to try to use Fy to create biofuel, but they eventually pivoted their plans to use Fy as food instead.
Today, Fy is a central part of the company Nature’s Fynd, which produces Fy in the form of yogurt, breakfast patties and “bites,” which are all available in grocery stores like Whole Foods and Mariano’s.
Food substitutes are gaining popularity, with brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods becoming household names. The need for brands like these is also increasing due to both meat shortages from Canada as reported by Glacier Farm Media and Canadian Cattlemen and high meat prices, which The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging notes many people cannot afford.
Nature’s Fynd, founded in 2012 with a mission to provide a protein substitute and create a new standard for protein. The brand stands out for its unique microbe-based protein, compared to more common plant-based substitutes. Its products are also more efficient to produce, making them both a scientific breakthrough and a sustainable food innovation.
“We could grow it super efficiently, and we could make it at about 60% protein, and that’s just super high-quality protein,” co-founder Thomas Jonas, a Lab parent, said.
Not only are food substitutes good for the earth, but they also taste similar to what they’re supposed to taste like.
After a blind taste test of all three Nature’s Fynd yogurt flavors and their breakfast patties, sophomore Ledya Wreden reflected on how food substitutes can be helpful.
“I’m not quite vegetarian, but I refuse to eat red meat, and so I feel like if I were to go fully vegetarian, I would really appreciate meat substitutes that taste good and have a lot of protein,” Ledya said. “It could be very hard to get all of the protein you need in your diet if you have dietary restrictions.”
With financial struggles and dietary restrictions prevalent across the country, finding the right protein substitute in the right price range is necessary for many.
“For people with dietary restrictions and who don’t have much money, it can be very hard to get protein, vitamins, et cetera, and so having it as a cheap option kind of helps more people get access to what they need,” Ledya said.
Food substitutes are beginning to redefine the protein industry as a whole, and as they do, these companies will make protein more available and beneficial for everyone.
