Taiyo Partners on Grass Protein as Alternative Vegan Source of BCAA and GABA

29 Feb 2016 --- Taiyo has partnered with BioFabrik in Dresden (Germany) for the production and distribution of the “world’s first grass protein.” It is marketed as a vegan source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and the only natural protein source that is rich in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Dr. Stefan Siebrecht, Managing Director of Taiyo GmbH explains: “BCAA usually only comes from dairy protein. That has always been considered the number one muscle building protein, with vegetarian protein, such as soy and lupine, containing less BCAA.” The grass protein hydrolysate has a high level of BCAA up to 30% and no allergenicity, is 100 percent vegan, organic and sustainable.” 

Biofabrik is a technical start-up company that has the patents on the technology to use 6 different fast growing sweet grass/leguminosis species to isolate the protein content from this source. During the production, the plants are fermented by lactic acid bacteria for a protein that is fractionized into two products: a 95 percent vegan and organic protein powder with 30 percent BCAA, and a 95 percent protein powder with 30 percent GABA, the first natural vegan GABA source. 

The high levels of BCAA makes this protein suitable for sport nutrition, while the protein containing 30 percent GABA could be used for weight or stress management. Described as an anti-stress or relaxing protein, Siebrecht explains: “With increased serotonin or GABA levels, people are more mentally satisfied, calm and develop less cravings and therefore they don’t eat as much. The GABA protein will support every diet within the weight management sector.”

Siebrecht says: “The grass grows so fast, it can be cut four or five times a year and is completely natural and sustainable. Normally it ends up in the biogas industry to form gas and electricity, but now we can make food out of it.” The product is described as having a grassy, savory, slightly spicy smell, but a neutral taste, “it tastes better than it smells,” Siebrecht describes, “when blended with other components, the smell is masked and the taste is good.”

While Biofabrik is going to produce the protein powders, Taiyo will be their exclusive distributor worldwide and will produce the first tons, “to see whether the market will accept the product,” Siebrecht explains. Because it is positioned as an organic product, the price will be similar or higher to that of other premium protein sources. “Besides the protein this grass contains 70% sulfates, which can be used as a fertilizer, 12% lactic acid which can be used for human or animal nutrition and 15% protein.” The sulfates are used to fertilize the same grass, further supporting the sustainable nature of the product. 

BioFabrik has the patents and the technology to build small factories all over the world. Siebrecht adds: “For example, if you grow the grass in the Sahara and build the plant there as well to harvest it, you can produce and sell it all over the world. BioFabrik’s interest is to build and sell these factories.” BioFabrik approached Taiyo to support them in the distribution of the grass protein.

The grass protein will be presented at Vitafoods Europe this year, the aim being to provide samples to the industry, “so they can test the properties, the taste, how it can be mixed and how it smells.” The grass protein is considered ideal for combining with other proteins for the purpose of creating shakes and bars, both in the sports and weight management sectors. The protein powder containing 30 percent BCAA could be combined with soy, pea or potato protein to optimize the BCAA content while retaining its vegan, non-allergenic and sustainable properties. 

Though awaiting confirmation on the EU regulations concerning GABA, Taiyo is confident the product will be available in Europe soon. The option to begin distribution already in the United States and Asia remains open.

Siebrecht confirmed that European contract manufacturers are already highly interested in this product’s potential in the weight management and sports nutrition and stress relief sector. “They want to use it in protein blends, mixes or bars. So the applications for this product are weight management, anti-stress, relaxing bars and muscle building sport nutrition for vegan and vegetarians,” Siebrecht adds. “People are looking more and more for vegan, green, sustainable, organic protein sources. Grass is such a new thing and everyone want to have something new.” 

By Liesbeth Thijssen

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