Ingredient News Oat Protein Ingredient Derived from Upcycled Oat Okara
A New Chapter in Sustainable Food Innovation
Today marks a historic milestone for Livoo Foods and for the plant-based protein industry. After years of research, development, and scale-up, we are proud to officially launch our first commercial Oat Protein Ingredient derived entirely from upcycled oat okara — a by-product of oat drink production that is typically discarded or downgraded to animal feed.
From By-Product to Premium Ingredient
Oat okara is the wet pulp left over after producing oat drinks, rich in high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and micronutrients. However, its high moisture content and perishability have traditionally made it challenging to valorize at scale.
Through Livoo Foods’ proprietary drying technology, we have successfully stabilized oat okara into a functional, shelf-stable oat protein ingredient. This revolutionary process not only preserves the nutritional value of the raw material but also dramatically extends its usability, enabling food manufacturers to incorporate this ingredient into a wide range of applications:
- Plant-based protein shakes and nutritional powders
- High-protein bakery products
- Meat analogues and hybrid proteins
- Functional bars and snacks
- Dairy alternatives (yogurts, desserts, and more)
Meeting the Demand for Clean, Sustainable Protein
The global demand for sustainable, plant-based protein is booming as consumers seek healthier, more environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional animal proteins. However, many plant protein sources come with significant sustainability trade-offs: land use, water consumption, deforestation, and long global supply chains.
Livoo Foods’ oat protein ingredient delivers:
- A truly circular solution — utilizing side-streams from existing oat beverage production.
- Low carbon footprint — up to 90% lower emissions compared to conventional protein sources.
- Minimal land and water usage — no additional farmland required.
- Non-GMO, allergen-friendly, and label-friendly — suitable for a wide range of consumers.
- Excellent nutritional profile — high in protein and fiber, naturally gluten-free.
- Certified organic production — ensuring compliance with the highest standards of organic food manufacturing.
Expanding Applications Beyond Food
While the primary focus is food, the potential applications of our oat protein ingredient extend far beyond nutrition. Thanks to its unique functional, organic, and nutritional properties, the ingredient is also being explored for:
- Cosmetics and personal care products — as a natural, plant-based active for skin care, moisturizers, and hair care formulations.
- Pet care and pet food — providing clean-label, high-protein, high-fiber solutions for companion animals.
- Animal feed — as a valuable nutritional supplement that leverages the remaining functional components for livestock and aquaculture nutrition.
These additional markets demonstrate the wide-reaching potential of upcycled oat okara as a cross-sector solution that goes far beyond food waste reduction.
The Technology Behind the Innovation
At the heart of Livoo’s breakthrough is our proprietary low-temperature drying technology, which gently stabilizes wet side-streams while preserving their functional and nutritional properties. Unlike conventional high-heat drying processes that degrade proteins and fibers, our system maintains ingredient integrity, resulting in superior quality and functionality.
Our modular drying systems also allow flexible deployment directly at production sites, minimizing transportation and further reducing the environmental footprint.
Industry Collaboration and Support
The development of this ingredient has been made possible thanks to strong partnerships with key players across the food value chain, including leading oat beverage producers, contract processors, nutrition brands, and research institutions. We are grateful for their trust and collaboration as we bring this innovation to market.
Regulatory, Quality & Certification Ready
Our oat protein ingredient has undergone rigorous food safety, nutritional, and functional testing, and complies with EU food safety regulations. We are currently progressing certification processes to meet global B2B ingredient standards for clean label, organic, and allergen-free positioning.
The Bigger Picture: Upcycling as Climate Action
This product launch represents more than just a new ingredient—it embodies Livoo Foods’ core mission: leveraging upcycling to address the intersection of food waste, nutrition, and climate change.
By repurposing oat okara into human nutrition, we contribute directly to:
- Reducing global food waste volumes
- Lowering greenhouse gas emissions from wasted by-products
- Preserving agricultural resources
- Expanding the supply of affordable, high-quality protein
According to recent LCA studies, this approach can achieve up to 90% lower land, water, and carbon impacts versus traditional protein sources.
First Customer Shipments and Global Interest
Our first commercial batches of oat protein are already being shipped to several early-adopter B2B partners across Europe. The interest we are receiving from global brands across categories — from functional foods to alternative proteins to high-protein snacks — underscores the immense potential of this ingredient platform.
What’s Next: Scaling Up
Following this successful launch, Livoo Foods will:
- Scale up drying installations with multiple oat beverage partners.
- Expand our Livoo Ingredients commercial platform for global B2B distribution.
- Advance new product development (NPD) using oat protein in collaboration with innovation partners.
- Enter new geographies with our flexible deployment model.
A Team Effort Driving Global Impact
We want to thank our dedicated Livoo team, our innovation partners, early customers, and our network of supporters who believe in the power of upcycling to change the food system for the better. This launch is a testament to years of collaboration, scientific rigor, and entrepreneurial vision.
The journey has only just begun. With this first commercial upcycled oat protein ingredient, Livoo Foods takes a major step forward in redefining the future of sustainable nutrition.
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