“US Startup Hoppy Planet Foods Develops Patent-Pending Technology to Improve Taste and Appearance of Edible Insects”
Patent-Pending Technology Revolutionizes Edible Insect Market
US-based startup Hoppy Planet Foods is set to disrupt the edible insect market with its patent-pending technology. The innovative process eliminates the earthy color, flavor, and aroma of edible insects, potentially unlocking new opportunities in higher-value human food markets.
Overcoming Quality Concerns
Despite the high nutritional value of insects, the human nutrition market has been slow to embrace them due to high prices and the ‘ick’ factor. However, according to Hoppy Planet Foods’ founder and CEO Matt Beck, the biggest hurdle has been the quality of the raw materials. Beck shared that major food manufacturers had previously tested insect protein but were unable to overcome the flavor issues.
Beck’s team has developed a de-colorized, spray-dried cricket protein powder with a neutral flavor and aroma. This product has impressed manufacturers, removing material barriers to the use of insect protein in food products. Crickets are low in fat, high in complete protein, packed with essential nutrients, and are more efficient at converting feed into food than traditional livestock, making them a sustainable protein source.
Neutral Color and Taste
Historically, edible insects have been roasted and milled into a coarse, dark-colored powder suitable for pet food and animal feed but with limited applications in human foods. Hoppy Planet Foods’ patent-pending process uses specific acids and organic solvents to de-colorize the protein and remove off tastes and aromas, without impacting the nutritional value.
The result is an off-white powder with no taste that can be used in a wider range of food applications. The process doesn’t require bespoke equipment or ingredients and leaves no residue in the final product. The company plans to convert its provisional patent into a full patent this year.
Unlocking a Wider Market
With this technological innovation, Beck aims to expand the human food market for insect protein. Currently, insect protein is primarily used for animal feed, aquaculture, and pet food. By improving the sensory elements of the protein, Beck believes they can unlock a far wider market.
Cost and Consumer Acceptance
Despite the superior product, cost and consumer acceptance remain potential challenges. However, Beck is optimistic. The cost of insect protein has been significantly reduced, and consumer suspicion of insect proteins is less than expected. The company’s Hoppy Planet brand has proven that there is a market for these products, with high sample to conversion rates from in-store demos, particularly among younger consumers.
Cashflow Positive
Unlike many startups, Hoppy Planet Foods has achieved cashflow positive unit economics early in its operation. The company has not raised much money so far, but it is currently seeking funding for future R&D projects. With its patented IP and a new b2b approach, the company presents an attractive investment opportunity.
Insects in Human Food Applications
Several companies are turning their attention to human food applications for insects. Notably, Vietnam-based Cricket One is targeting human and pet food markets with its cricket products, while Ÿnsect has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korean food company LOTTE to explore human food applications for mealworms.
According to Ÿnsect VP communication and public affairs director Anais Maury, insect protein is being integrated into energy bars, shakes, cereals, and burgers. Mealworms, rich in protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients, are a valuable ingredient for a wide range of food products and have potential in performance nutrition.
With its patent-pending technology, Hoppy Planet Foods is poised to lead the way in the edible insect market, offering a sustainable and nutritionally rich protein source for the human food market.