Valley partner Cultivated Biosciences rebrands to Cosaic and introduces new ingredient

Over the past three years, Valley partner Cultivated Biosciences has worked on using state-of-the-art biotechnology to solve the food industry’s pressing challenges. With recent breakthroughs in product development and industry collaborations, Cultivated Biosciences is rebranding to Cosaic and introducing Cosaic Neo, a unique yeast-derived natural emulsion.

From idea to product

Back in 2021, Tomas Turner, co-founder and CEO, had the idea to grow fats from yeast, to provide texture solutions for vegan cheeses. Appalled by factory farming, he wanted to make an impact by encouraging more people to enjoy creamy animal-free products.

The team he built with his co-founder Dimitri Zogg learnt from the industry about much bigger needs than pure fat alternatives and discovered that their ingredient was much more powerful than fat: a multifunctional natural emulsion from yeast.

This unique ingredient contains fats, but also proteins and fibres. It is the combination of those components that allows the natural combination of 8 key functionalities in 1 animal-free ingredient. It reconciles the needs of the industry for more resilience and performance with the consumer need for better and tastier products. 

Cleaning labels

Cosaic Neo is reported to “clean labels” by replacing unwanted additives, improves the mouthfeel and the taste, improves the physical stability and much more. 

Food product developers can now create both dairy and dairy-free products that meet emerging consumer trends and unlock new business opportunities. This achievement marked a turn in the company’s roadmap and strategy.

Cosaic Neo also delivers functionality and sensory appeal to create products in four key categories: ready-to-drink protein and nutrition shakes, dairy-free milks, barista and coffee creamers, mayo & sauces and creamy liqueurs.

Unlocking opportunity in plant-based protein shakes

Protein Shakes is the fastest growing beverage segment in the US, reflecting the consumers’ interest for on-the-go, healthy proteins. But most commercial plant-based protein shakes contain no more than 8% proteins (around 25g for a 330ml/12 oz bottle) and contain lots of additives. Increasing the protein content further can lead to gelling or strong off-notes.

Cosaic can replace all additives, mask plant-based off-notes and most importantly, improving protein solubilisation to enable loading more proteins – up to 13% or 43g per serving. Cosaic is working closely with industry leaders on trials to bring this concept to market in the US in 2026.

About Cosaic

Cosaic aims for a world in which good food choices benefit everyone: people, businesses, and the planet. They do this with ingredient solutions that offer greater industry resilience and greater consumer satisfaction. Founded in 2021 in Zurich, Switzerland, Cosaic’s 18-member team is transitioning from the research and development stage to the market entry phase. The company plans to introduce its cream to the US market in 2025 and to the European market in 2026, pending regulatory approval for consumption. www.cultivated.bio/

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