Non-gmo yeast fat alternative to cocoa butter
A sustainable, non-GMO yeast-derived fat alternative mimics cocoa butter's key properties, offering a lower carbon footprint and reduced supply chain disruptions.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages non-GMO oleaginous yeast strains to produce microbial oils that mimic the compositional and functional properties of cocoa butter. Developed through the expertise at UC Davis, this alternative aims to replace traditional cocoa butter with a product that has similar melting behavior and crystal structure. The use of domestically produced yeast oils reduces carbon footprint and mitigates supply chain issues associated with tropical oil-based technologies.
Technical specifications
- Utilizes non-GMO yeast strains capable of producing high-saturated fats.
- The yeast strains are from the extensive Phaff Yeast Culture Collection.
- Fractionation techniques are employed to optimize oil properties by removing low-melting fractions.
- The research includes detailed analysis of melting behavior using DSC and structural analysis using X-ray diffraction.
- Oils are produced using agricultural byproducts, enhancing sustainability.
Technology readiness level
Current development is at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating successful laboratory validation of the yeast-derived oils' properties. Future developments include bioreactor studies and comprehensive lifecycle assessments to further optimize and validate the product for commercial use.
About University of California, Davis
UC Davis is a comprehensive public research university in Northern California, combining a land-grant heritage with an integrated academic health system and a veterinary teaching hospital. Industry engages through co-located clinical and translational facilities in Sacramento, a campus-adjacent research park, pilot-scale food and bioprocessing facilities, and a statewide extension network for field-to-market deployment. Proximity to the Bay Area and California's Central Valley enables rapid collaboration with startups and established enterprises, while corporate relations staff streamline access to faculty, talent, and core labs. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support programs provide IP management, licensing, and startup formation pathways for industry partnerships.
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