A couple years back we talked about the breakthrough work Solar Foods was doing with their oxygen-derived protein named Solein. Literally creating magic out of thin air, the Finnish startup set its eyes on solving food production’s biggest challenge: Supply. To do so, Solar Foods invented a revolutionary “bioprocess” that uses renewable air and electricity to remove the need for terrestrial resources.
A bioprocess uses living cells, or their components, to produce a product. In simpler terms, no animals, plants, or even feelings are harmed in the making of Solein.
Fast forward to today, Solar Foods has announced the world’s first Solein Chocolate Gelato in partnership with Singapore-based restaurant Fico. In September 2022, the company received regulatory approval to sell Solein in the country.
Fico’s thin air-dessert is the first offering of what Solar Foods hopes will begin a global trend. Now available, Singaporeans have the honor of ushering in a new evolution in food that’s produced without any connection to photosynthesis and agriculture. Fico’s Chef-partner Mirko Febbrile put together a Solein-inspired tasting menu that pairs its mild aroma and subtle nutty and creamy umami with rich chocolate.
“It is a remarkable opportunity to be the first chef team to introduce a one-of-a-kind ice cream to the world. It combines the familiar delicious taste we all love with a unique ingredient produced without relying on traditional agriculture. Exploring Solein’s versatility has been an incredible journey; we’ve experimented with its potential, creating dishes ranging from miso soups, pasta, sauces, and desserts. Replacing dairy with Solein in this chocolate gelato, we were able to craft a vegan ice cream without compromising on its creaminess,” Chef Mirko shared.
Fico’s “Pedal for Gelato” initiative will join the launch — the initiative supports a more playful lifestyle that encourages exercise and rewards participants that have cycled more than 9 miles that day with a free scoop of gelato. “As a chef, I believe strongly in making food sustainable and responsible. Solein opens up opportunities for us to reimagine the food chain in a way that benefits our planet, without compromising the dishes and flavors we love,” Chef Mirko added.
The Solein Chocolate Gelato is a great first example of the versatility of the unique protein, showing how it can blend into familiar foods while offering the indistinguishable experience of the original. “If you didn’t know, you could not guess this gelato includes an entirely new, unique, and nutritious ingredient just by tasting it. It looks, feels and tastes just like any other Italian gelato — and that is exactly the idea. Solein is the ‘Intel inside’ of the food industry,” explains Solar Foods CCO Shilei Zhang.
