Fermenta to launch Solein-powered protein bars in the USA in early 2026

Fermenta, a health and performance nutrition start-up, is preparing to introduce protein bars made with Solein to US consumers in early 2026, marking one of the first commercial launches of the microbial protein in the country. The company said a limited number of products under its Gutsy brand would be released during the first quarter, targeting demand for functional foods that support digestive wellness and offer clean, sustainable nutrition.

The launch followed Solar Foods’ move to commercialize Solein in the USA, beginning with the health and performance segment. Fermenta’s decision to use the ingredient placed it among the earliest companies to bring Solein to American consumers after the protein first reached the market in Singapore.

Fermenta said the new bars were developed to answer rising interest in products that support well-being, particularly around gut health. The Gutsy range will be gluten free and animal free, with an emphasis on high protein content, vegan-friendly formulation and lower sugar. John Gibb, CEO of Fermenta, said the goal was to meet growing expectations for nutrition that did not compromise on sustainability or taste. “We want to create delightful moments for consumers and offer sustainable and clean products that support digestive wellness and are high in protein, vegan-friendly and contain less sugar. Solein is a groundbreaking new ingredient which supports our sustainability ambition and offers exceptional nutritional values with no compromise on taste,” he said.

Solar Foods described Solein as a highly adaptable ingredient for performance nutrition, capable of fitting naturally into a range of formats and flavor profiles. Troels Nørgaard, Chief Commercial & Product Officer at Solar Foods, said Fermenta’s launch demonstrated how the ingredient could perform in finished products. “Solein is an extremely versatile ingredient, and Fermenta’s functional protein bars are one example of how Solein works in final products. As an agile start-up Fermenta will be among the first to bring products made with Solein available for consumers in the USA. We are very excited to see what kinds of products Solein will be used in in the future,” he said.

For Solar Foods, the US rollout represented the beginning of a broader commercial strategy. The company has signed several supply agreements with customers and said it was working closely with partners to help develop products for the market. Ahead of the Fermenta announcement, Solar Foods showcased new flavors for its own product concepts, including protein bars, protein drinks and ready-to-mix shakes made with Solein, at the Supply Side Global event in Las Vegas.

Solar Foods said demand for health and performance nutrition products continued to expand rapidly, and positioned Solein as a strong fit for this category because of its nutritional profile and its functional and sensory qualities. Produced through gas fermentation using carbon dioxide and hydrogen, the ingredient is intended to offer a scalable approach to supplying protein with a far lower environmental impact than many conventional sources. The company said this process could help address global protein supply challenges while reducing exposure to agricultural constraints.

Nørgaard said the ingredient offered “exceptional nutrition, functionality, and taste”, and emphasized its potential to support more resilient supply chains. Solar Foods also highlighted the ingredient’s mild flavor, which allows formulations to adapt freely to different consumer preferences.

On the nutritional side, the company noted that Solein contains all nine essential amino acids and is free of cholesterol and saturated fat. It also contains iron and vitamin B12, nutrients typically absent from plant-based proteins. Fermenta and Solar Foods said this combination of features made the ingredient stand out from alternatives such as soy, pea or whey. According to Solar Foods, Solein also contains around 10% fiber, compared with whey protein, which contains none. The company described the ingredient as performing strongly in sustainability terms, pointing to its lower resource footprint compared with animal-derived and crop-based protein sources.

Fermenta’s move toward Solein comes at a time when consumer expectations are shifting toward foods that provide clear functional benefits alongside convenience and familiar formats. With bars remaining one of the most popular entry points for performance and wellness products, the collaboration between Fermenta and Solar Foods positions Solein in a fast-growing category where ingredient adaptability and nutritional clarity carry significant weight.

Solar Foods’ earlier market entry in Singapore provided the first real-world demonstration of how Solein could be used in commercial foods, but the US launch represents a much larger opportunity. The company said it expected continued growth in new product development over the next year as more customers finalize formulations that showcase the ingredient’s capabilities.

For Fermenta, the introduction of Gutsy in the USA will serve as the brand’s first appearance in a major market. The company said the limited initial release in early 2026 would allow it to gather consumer feedback while preparing for broader distribution later in the year. Both partners described the products as early examples of how microbial proteins could begin to diversify the US nutrition landscape, offering new options for consumers looking for high-quality protein that supports health and sustainability goals.