Dive Brief:
- Fermented mushroom ingredients maker MycoTechnology received safety approval for a natural flavor enhancer made from honey truffle, which can boost sweet flavors such as caramel while masking unpleasant tastes.
- MycoTechnology's ClearHT gained Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status from the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association, an industry assessment program.
- The product will be on the market in early 2026 in countries that accept GRAS determinations. While the U.S. accepts GRAS certifications, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has looked to crack down on self-affirmed food safety assessments.
Dive Insight:
ClearHT modulates a food’s sweetness and boosts the taste of flavors including caramel and citrus. It can also intensify the perception of vanilla or tropical flavors, while reducing burnt, unpleasant or chemical-tasting notes, according to MycoTechnology’s website. The company said a small amount of the ingredient can alter the flavor of food and beverage items.
The product helps food formulators meet consumer demand for better-for-you ingredients with unique flavors. Jordi Ferre, MycoTechnology’s CEO, said in a statement achieving GRAS status advances the company’s goal of expanding its ingredients portfolio.
“Our team has continued to demonstrate exceptional progress in scale-up, safety validation, and applications development in preparation for commercial availability,” Ferre said. “This approval marks another important step in our mission to promote healthier, better-tasting food and beverages.”
MycoTechnology launched in 2013 to use fungi and fermentation technology to create advanced, healthier food ingredients. The Colorado-based startup has raised $220 million to scale its mycelium-based platform, including an investment from Kellogg’s venture arm Eighteen94 Capital.
Several food companies are harnessing the power of mushrooms to naturally enhance their products. MyForest Foods has bacon made with mycelium. Meati sells mycelium-based chicken and steak alternatives.
Challenges in the plant-based meat sector have led to a retrenchment among companies, including MycoTechnology. The Colorado-based firm discontinued its alternative-protein business and shelved plans to produce a fungi-based meat alternative as it focuses on its sweetening portfolio, according to AgFunder News.
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