Mushroom fibres lengthen shelf lives

This natural preservative reduces waste across the food and drink supply chain

Spotted: According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 17 per cent of all the food available at consumer levels is wasted, and according to the UN, all food loss and waste accounts for 8 per cent of total man-made greenhouse gas emissions annually. Extending the shelf life of food can help to tackle waste, and innovators are looking for new ways to do this without relying on solutions with their own problems – such as plastic packaging.

One of these is Canadian company Chinova Bioworks, which uses fibres from white button mushrooms to naturally extend the shelf-life of products that include baked goods, beverages, dairy, plant-based dairy, plant-based meat, and more.

The fibre, called chitosan, works by interacting with the microorganisms that cause spoilage in a way that inhibits their effectiveness. Chinova Bioworks turned that capability into two products.

Chiber is a colourless, tasteless, odourless, vegan, Halal, and allergen-free preservative that protects foodstuffs against mould, yeast, and bacteria. MycoKleer is a beverage fining and clarifying agent. Used by brewers and in the production of juices, teas, and coffees, MycoKleer replaces animal-based and synthetic fining agents such as gelatin.

Chinova Bioworks’ eco-friendly production process consists of drying, grinding, and purifying mushroom fibres.  Additionally, the company works closely with growers to upcycle mushroom crop waste and mushrooms that would not be sold in supermarkets. Brands using these new preservatives help decrease overall food industry waste by reducing spoilage throughout the supply chain.

Written By: Keely Khoury and Matt Hempstead