Superbrewed Food awarded patent for “breakthrough” tasty postbiotic protein

31 Jan 2024 --- US-based Superbrewed Food has obtained a US patent for its postbiotic protein ingredient as a “composition of matter” product, granting the company 18 years of market exclusivity for the production, use and commercialization of all forms of bacterial-biomass proteins. These include natural, non-GMO and GMO organisms with a protein content of at least 60%, which is the minimum amount required to make them useful as a food ingredient.

The company’s postbiotic protein is non-GMO, animal- and allergen-free and can replace or complement animal and plant proteins in existing and new food formulations. 

“With the approval of this patent, Superbrewed Food opens a new category in food ingredients. We have raised the bar in food ingredients by developing a sustainable protein which meets consumer demands for taste, nutrition and cost,” Bryan Tracy, the company’s CEO and co-founder, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“All products will be delivered with consumer packaged goods partners and span many foods, including ready-to-mix and ready-to-drink beverages, bars, snacks, yogurts, ice cream and more. The first products will be delivered in Q4 2024, by one of our partners in the sports nutrition category in the US.”

The patent covers all production methods, including aerobic and anaerobic, and all forms of feedstock, including sugar, agricultural waste and CO2. Moreover, it covers the use of biomass protein in food products. 

Complete protein source 
Tracy underscores that Superbrewed Food’s “breakthrough” postbiotic protein is a complete protein for targeted consumers, containing all nine essential amino acids. 

“It is specifically tailored to be a protein plus ingredient, whereby it serves both a macronutrient purpose for protein nutrition and confers health benefits through the presence of naturally occurring vitamins and incorporated minerals.” 

He adds that the sustainable protein addresses a consumer demand for better nutrition. “Growing groups of consumers want health through nutrition that is non-GMO, allergen-free, animal-free and more sustainable. However, they will not tolerate compromises on taste, texture and affordability.” 

The company’s bacteria biomass approach supports this combination of nutritional composition and ingredient functionality, explains Tracy. 

“Postbiotic protein does not gel even in high concentration formats, which is a common problem for all protein ingredients — plant and animal-based. This, along with other unique functionalities like pH and heat stability and emulsification activity, enables desirable formulations of beverages, snacks, sauces and baked goods, among others.” 

The patent grants Superbrewed Food 18 years of market exclusivity for the commercialization of bacterial-biomass proteins.Additional benefits   
In addition to being a source of protein, Tracy underscores that the ingredient offers additional health benefits. 

“A 20 g serving of postbiotic protein is a good source of several B vitamins and minerals, particularly B12, but it is not a significant source of sodium. These vitamins and minerals are naturally incorporated postbiotic protein during fermentation, so food formulators do not need to add these vitamins and minerals. This additional nutrition content helps create cleaner, shorter ingredient labels, which consumers prefer.” 

Moreover, the ingredient classifies as a postbiotic, which the International Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines as a “preparation of inanimate microorganisms or their components that confer a health benefit on the host,” says Tracy.  

“To our knowledge, the majority, if not all, postbiotics in the market today are the components of inanimate microorganisms, and the majority of these are delivered to consumers as supplements, selected to convey a specific host benefit such as gut health.”

“Superbrewed Food’s postbiotic protein is a bacteria whole biomass, the fully intact inanimate microorganism, rather than components,” he underscores. 

Last week, we spoke with a team from ISAPP about the industry’s most frequently asked questions. As postbiotics are predicted to be the next innovation wave in the biotics series, the organization strives for a clear and accurate definition to be applied for products and regulation. 

Expanding production  
In 2024, Superbrewed Food aims to scale its commercial production and expand product offerings across North America and beyond by using its bio-manufacturing infrastructure to sustainably and economically produce functional and nutritional ingredients. 

The company first secured a self-affirmed generally recognized as safe status for its postbiotic, cultured protein in 2022, when it also started a collaboration with the Bel Group to create cheese products incorporating the postbiotic protein ingredient. 

“We are excited to provide unique combinations of benefits and strong IP protection to our customers in the fast-growing and competitive alternative protein market. And most importantly, consumers are soon to have access to a new class of proteins that deliver all aspects of better eating,” concludes Tracy. 

By Jolanda van Hal