The Next Generation of Sustainable Proteins

The future of food is being shaped by innovation — and PLANTOMYC is one of the projects leading the way.
By combining the natural benefits of plant-based ingredients with the rich flavour, aroma, and texture of mycelial protein biomass, PLANTOMYC is redefining what alternative proteins can be.

In line with the European Green Deal and the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, the project aims to create healthier, more sustainable, and affordable foods that are also minimally processed and consumer-friendly.

Giving a Second Life to Underused Ingredients

One of PLANTOMYC’s key innovations lies in fermentation — a natural process that can upgrade the nutritional value of food while reducing waste.

Through both submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF), the project gives a second life to food by-products that would otherwise go unused, such as:

• Starch-rich pea protein residues

• Brewers’ spent grains (BSG)

These materials are transformed into nutrient-dense, sustainable ingredients, forming the foundation for new, circular food products.

The process doesn’t stop there — the fermentation broth is converted into value-added products, such as a GABA-enriched drink or a savoury bouillon, showcasing a near-zero waste production model.

Creating Hybrid Proteins with Co-Benefits for People and Planet

By combining pea protein isolate with mycelial protein biomass, PLANTOMYC creates hybrid protein products with improved nutritional and sensory profiles.
Meanwhile, brewers’ spent grains are upcycled through fungal fermentation to craft innovative textures and flavours that enhance both food quality and sustainability.

This approach not only increases protein diversity but also:

• Supports climate goals for 2030 and 2050

• Encourages circular economy principles

• Promotes healthier diets and reduced food waste

Through optimised extrusion and fermentation, PLANTOMYC demonstrates how science and sustainability can work hand in hand to create food that’s good for people and the planet.

PLANTOMYC & Sustain-a-Bite: A Shared Vision #BehindEveryBite

The #BehindEveryBite campaign by Sustain-a-bite celebrates the science, values, and creativity that make sustainable food possible.
PLANTOMYC shares this same mission — transforming underused plant-based ingredients and by-products into flavourful, nutritious hybrid proteins through low-waste, circular processes.

Together, both initiatives highlight a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible innovation, reminding us that every ingredient, every process, and every bite has a story.

By combining creativity, science, and care for the planet, PLANTOMYC and Sustain-a-bite invite chefs, students, and food lovers across Europe to rethink how we produce, enjoy, and value our food — one delicious bite at a time.