Finnish food innovation receives positive EFSA opinion
Fazer prepares to launch Solein® protein consumer products in European markets
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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given a positive scientific opinion of the use of Solein® protein in food, under the proposed conditions of use. The opinion marks an important milestone towards the European Commission's final approval of the novel food. Fazer has already piloted products made with Solein® in Singapore and USA and is ready to launch consumer products in European markets as soon as the final regulatory approval is granted.
Solein® is a protein developed by the Finnish food technology company Solar Foods and produced through a gas fermentation process utilising raw materials obtained from the air. Fazer is one of Solar Foods' first commercial partners, an early-stage investor and company's largest shareholder. The two companies have collaborated closely on product development since 2019.
"This is one of Finland's most exciting food innovations. EFSA's positive scientific opinion of the food safety of Solein® protein is a significant milestone towards the commercialisation of the ingredient in Europe. We have the readiness to launch Solein® products for consumers as soon as the final regulatory approval is granted in Europe," says Heli Anttila , VP, Research & Product Development at Fazer Group.
Fazer has been piloting the protein made from air for years
For several years, Fazer has been researching and testing the potential of Solein® as part of its work to develop food solutions for the future. In 2024, the company introduced the world's first consumer product containing Solein®, the Taste the Future Snack Bar, in Singapore. In 2025, Fazer continued piloting with tastings of snack products and oat drinks containing Solein® protein at the Future Food-Tech event in San Francisco, USA.
"The aim of the pilots has been to test the functionality of the Solein® in different product categories and to gather valuable feedback on taste, texture and overall experience, as well as to better understand consumer expectations to guide future product development," Anttila continues.
Solein® responds to the growing interest in protein
The demand for protein-rich products is one of the world's fastest-growing food trends, and it is driven by rising consumer interest in well-being, weight management, active lifestyles and healthy ageing.
Fazer is currently exploring several product development opportunities related to Solein® and sees the ingredient as a promising option that can complement existing protein sources in several product categories. Subject to final regulatory approval, Fazer has the readiness to launch consumer products containing Solein® in Europe.
"The European protein market is large, and consumers' interest in protein is constantly growing. Innovative solutions like Solein® can open new opportunities for the Finnish food industry and exports. It is great to see how an innovation developed in Finland is moving closer to broader commercial adoption in international markets," says Anttila.
More information about Solein®:
Solein® is a microbial protein that can be produced through an innovative production process regardless of the soil, weather or climate. Solein® protein is made from a microbe that occurs naturally in Finland. It is a nutrient-rich protein ingredient, produced through gas fermentation process. Solein® has a mild flavour and can be used in a variety of food applications. It contains essential amino acids and complements the nutritional profile of plant-based foods. Solein® is a new type of food ingredient, which needs regulatory approval before it can be sold. EFSA's positive scientific opinion, completed as part of the EU novel food authorisation process, concludes that Solein® is safe for use in food under the proposed conditions of use. However, the positive scientific opinion is not final authorisation. A final authorisation decision by the European Commission is still required before Solein® can be placed on the European markets. Singapore granted the world's first novel food authorisation for Solein® protein in 2022. * In 2024, Solar Foods obtained the independent conclusion of GRAS status (Generally Recognised as Safe) in the United States, enabling Solein® commercialisation there.
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Topic world Food safety
Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.
Topic world Food safety
Food safety is at the heart of the food and beverage industry. It ensures that the food we eat every day is not only nutritious, but also free of harmful contaminants. From field to plate, the industry monitors and regulates every step of the process with strict quality controls, advanced testing methods and continuous research.