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Oobli and Ingredion Unite for Sweet Protein Innovation

On February 13, 2025, Oobli, a pioneering company in the sweet protein sector, and Ingredion, a prominent global supplier of ingredient solutions, declared their partnership to enhance the availability of healthier sweetener options in the food and beverage industry. This collaboration aims to leverage Oobli's unique sweet protein technology alongside Ingredion's established portfolio of natural sweeteners, such as stevia, to create innovative and delicious products.

Sweet proteins, a groundbreaking addition to the world of natural sweeteners, are anticipated to play a crucial role in reformulating products like sodas, baked goods, candies, and yogurts, offering a superior taste without the downsides typically associated with sugar. According to Ali Wing, CEO of Oobli, this partnership represents a significant move towards improving the sweetness options available to consumers. He stated, "Sweet proteins are a long-overdue addition to the toolkit of better-for-you sweeteners."

The partnership also aims to explore cost-efficient ways to use sweet proteins in tandem with other natural sweeteners, successfully helping food companies meet their nutritional objectives while controlling costs. Nate Yates, VP and GM of Sugar Reduction and Fiber Fortification at Ingredion, emphasized the innovation this collaboration could yield.

To further investigate the potential of sweet proteins, Oobli and Ingredion conducted testing on several collaboratively developed products, yielding promising consumer feedback that encouraged the partnership's formation. The joint effort is set to debut several novel sweet products at the Future Food Tech event in San Francisco on March 13 and 14, 2025.

In recent developments, Oobli has also secured FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for two sweet proteins—monellin and brazzein—opening doors for their use in food and beverage formulations. This regulatory achievement adds credibility to Oobli's sweet proteins, affirming their safety among consumers.

Moreover, Oobli recently completed a significant $18 million Series B1 funding round, which saw participation from new strategic investors, including Ingredion Ventures, Lever VC, and Sucden Ventures. With existing investors like Khosla Ventures and Piva Capital also contributing, this funding will support Oobli’s mission to expand its footprint across various food and beverage categories, focusing on sweet proteins as standalone solutions as well as in synergy with other natural sweeteners.

Founded to revolutionize the concepts of sweetness in our food, Oobli captures a significant market opportunity as it pioneers in sweet protein technologies. These proteins are created through fermentation, making them not only a healthier alternative that exhibits no glycemic effect but also a climate-friendly choice, potentially saving massive resources compared to traditional sugar production. This innovative approach underscores Oobli's commitment to delivering affordable and healthful products while championing sustainability.

Oobli’s sweet proteins are now regulated to be sold as sweeteners, boasting two FDA 'no questions' letters, four proteins with self-affirmed FDA GRAS, and one protein with FDA FEMA GRAS status—making them a trusted choice for consumers and brands alike.

In summary, the partnership between Oobli and Ingredion marks a transformative chapter for the sweetener industry, aligning both companies’ expertise in pursuing the new frontiers of sweetness. Together, they are set to deliver exceptional and healthier options in the growing market of natural sweeteners, making an impactful difference for health-conscious consumers everywhere. To stay informed of their upcoming innovations and product launches, you can visit Oobli’s official website.