It sounds almost too good to be true, but Solein is making protein from thin air. Developed by a Finnish biotech startup called Solar Farm, they claim Solein is the world’s most sustainable protein.
It’s made by cultivating an ancient bacteria fed on CO2 from the air – plus hydrogen bubbles produced using water electrolysis – in a process similar to fermentation.
These microorganisms make amino acids, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates. Come harvest time, excess water is removed and they’re dried into a protein-rich powder.
Solar Farm says the process is even more efficient than photosynthesis, and requires a fraction of the land and water required to feed livestock or grow crops. It can be made into a meat and dairy alternative, or used in snacks and drinks as a fortifying protein additive.
For now Solein is only approved for sale in Singapore, but Solar Farm is currently seeking authorisation in the UK, Europe and the US.
Image: Solein
Main image: Upside Foods
