Imagindairy is an Israeli-based food tech startup that produces animal-free dairy proteins using precision fermentation. The company aims to create dairy products that are indistinguishable from the ones made from cow’s milk, but without the environmental, ethical, and health issues associated with the dairy industry.
Imagindairy’s technology uses genetically modified microorganisms that can produce whey and casein, the two main proteins found in milk. These proteins are then purified and combined with plant-based fats, sugars, and minerals to create dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
The company claims that its products have the same taste, texture, and functionality as conventional dairy products, but with a lower carbon footprint, water consumption, and land use. Imagindairy also says that its products are free of lactose, hormones, antibiotics, and cholesterol, making them suitable for people with allergies, intolerances, or ethical concerns.
How did Imagindairy obtain self-affirmed GRAS status?
GRAS stands for generally recognized as safe, a designation given by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to substances that are considered safe for human consumption based on scientific evidence and expert consensus.
Imagindairy announced this week that it has obtained the self-affirmed GRAS status for its animal-free whey protein in accordance with the FDA requirements. This means that the company has conducted extensive internal and external review and safety testing of its ingredient and has notified the FDA of its conclusion.
The self-affirmed GRAS status allows Imagindairy to market its animal-free whey protein in the US without further approval from the FDA. This paves the way for commercial partnerships with food manufacturers and retailers who want to offer dairy alternatives that are more sustainable and animal-friendly.
What are Imagindairy’s plans for the future?
Imagindairy is not only focused on developing its animal-free dairy protein, but also on scaling up its production and expanding its product portfolio. The company is opening a new and improved headquarters near Haifa, Israel, that will support its next phase of growth.
The new facility will have state-of-the-art laboratories for research and development of ingredient solutions, a test kitchen for culinary and ingredient applications testing, and a fully operational pilot line that allows for testing in conditions similar to those in large scale fermentation processes. The space will also serve as the company’s new headquarters with a variety of office spaces and shared workrooms.
Imagindairy plans to launch its first products in the US market by 2024, followed by other regions such as Europe and Asia. The company hopes to offer a range of dairy products such as cheese slices, cream cheese, yogurt, and ice cream that can compete with both conventional and plant-based alternatives in terms of taste, quality, and price.
