Key Takeaways
- One Bio has raised $27 million to enhance its technology for flavorless, invisible dietary fibers.
- The company aims to tackle the modern diet’s fiber deficiency linked to chronic diseases.
- With its innovative approach, One Bio plans to help food brands meet new consumer demands for high-fiber products.
Funding Announcement
Today, One Bio, a startup specializing in short-chain fiber food ingredients derived from plants, announced it has raised $27 million in a funding round led by Alpha Edison. Other investors include Leaps by Bayer and Mitsui E12. The funds will be utilized to commercialize the company’s innovative technology that creates flavorless and invisible dietary fibers.
Addressing Dietary Fiber Deficiencies
One Bio’s co-founder and CEO, Matt Barnard, emphasized the importance of dietary fiber during an interview. He pointed out that modern food processing often removes plant fibers, depriving the microbiome of essential nutrients. This fiber deficiency is associated with several chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Barnard stated, “What we enable is for fiber to be poured back into the diet.”
Innovative Fiber Technology
One Bio has developed a process to break down plant fibers into short-chain molecules that are tasteless and odorless, allowing them to seamlessly blend into daily foods, such as plant milks, cereals, and even sparkling water. Barnard noted that the company can provide high-dose, anti-inflammatory fibers that can be incorporated into nearly any food product available on grocery shelves.
A Broader Shift in the Food Industry
The investment in One Bio reflects a major shift in the food industry, particularly as companies adapt to the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications. Previously, these treatments were perceived negatively, foreshadowing a decline in packaged foods. However, there is now an optimistic outlook among industry players. Companies like Conagra Brands are labeling products as “GLP-1 friendly” to appeal to consumers using these medications. One Bio aims to supply food makers with high-fiber, functional ingredients for product integration.
Barnard added that One Bio’s technology not only addresses nutrient deficiencies but also offers an alternative pathway for consumers looking to move away from GLP-1 medications and their potential long-term side effects.
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