Fermentation has a positive ecological footprint. Dutch start-up The Protein Brewery uses this process to ‘brew’ a fungus that is a highly nutritious, complete source of protein. ‘We are becoming more aware that animal proteins alone are insufficient.’

‘Virtually all elements of our fungus are highly nutritious and useful’, says Gilbert Verschelling, CTO of The Protein Brewery. ‘It contains not only proteins and fibres, but also vitamins, minerals, and other healthy substances. In short, it is a very complete source of nutrition.’ This is good news because the world’s population is still growing rapidly. By 2037, there will probably be 9 billion people on Earth, and another billion by 2057. ‘The demand for food is therefore high, and we are becoming increasingly aware that animal proteins alone are not enough’, says Verschelling. Of course, plant-based proteins are an alternative. However, according to The Protein Brewery, fungi can also make a valuable contribution.