042: Microalgae: Sustainable Superfood Emerges as Power Player in Alt Proteins with Yonatan Golan

<p><strong>Future Food-Tech Alternative Proteins Series Part V</strong></p> <p><strong><em>in partnership with</em></strong> <a href= "https://www.futurefoodtechprotein.com/"><strong>Future Food-Tech Alternative Proteins Summit, NYC June 21 - 22, 2022</strong><strong> </strong></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Episode Description:</strong></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">“To produce alternative protein that tastes good is a very challenging problem. And this is not something that can just be brute-forced. We had to develop a unique technological solution to produce alternative protein very cost-effectively and with flavor and color suitable for the food industry.”</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">-Yonatan Golan</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food security is one of the largest global crises we face today. To feed the population and continue moving towards a better-for-you food system, we need sustainable sources. </span></p> <p><a href="https://brevel.co.il/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Brevel</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">, an Israeli startup cofounded by the Golan brothers Yonatan (CEO), Ido (CTO), and Matan (GM). This family trio joined their unique set of skills to give a new meaning to sustainability in the alternative protein space. Brevel uses microalgae as the main ingredient in their alternative meat products. It’s being called the “ghost protein”, because when introduced, microalgae does not alter the final product’s taste, texture and color. When compared to other leading alternatives such as soy or pea protein, microalgae consume less water, require very little to no land use, and emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In fact, microalgae produce the majority of the Earth’s oxygen. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brevel isn’t the first company to grow and harvest microalgae; however, they are doing it differently and, according to Yonatan, ‘more affordably and effectively.’  Brevel decided to combine heterotrophy and phototrophy,