Finnish startup Solar Foods' novel alternative protein, Solein, is now on the menu of a restaurant in Singapore where it's been blended into a custom (vegan) chocolate gelato.
the finished product contains approximately 65 percent protein, 20–25 percent carbohydrates and 5–10 percent fats. Solein also contains small amounts of essential minerals, such as phosphorus and potassium. The carbon dioxide emissions from single-cell cultivation are a hundred times lower than from meat production and ten times lower than from crop production.
The protein produced by Solar Foods is similar to that used in Quorn products.[4] The characteristics of Solein are similar to those of soy and dried algae.[10] It is said to be mild in flavor and, when added to a pancake base, to taste a bit like egg.[10] It could be used in various kinds of food products,[23] such as plant-based yoghurts, smoothies, bread or pasta, or as an ingredient in plant-based meat substitutes.[24][7] It could also be used in animal feed.[25]
Solein® is made from natural single-cell organisms, which are grown in a fermentation process. Water is split with renewable electricity into hydrogen and oxygen.
The cells are fed CO2, hydrogen and mineral nutrients. These microorganisms are then able to make amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids (fats), and vitamins.
From the OP article:
If we’re going to avoid climate disaster then cutting emissions generated by farming is critical. And it’s industrial animal farming — for meat and dairy — that is particularly problematic for the environment given how much land and water is required to yield these animal-derived proteins.