Fungi-based food on-trend in Australia

With demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources on the rise, there has been an upswing in the availability of fungi-based food products in Australia. According to data and analytics company GlobalData, fungi-based products are emerging as a significant trend in the food industry, by offering an alternative to traditional meat and dairy products in Australia.

Kakarlapudi Karthik Varma, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, said: “Australia, renowned for its robust plant-based food market, is now observing a substantial surge in interest surrounding fungi-based food products, particularly those derived from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. Fungi-based products provide a wealth of nutritional value, including proteins, fibre and vitamins, while being produced with a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based foods.”

The increasing popularity of fungi-based foods aligns with broader consumer trends favouring plant-based diets. The versatility of fungi as a food source allows for a range of product innovations, from meat alternatives to dairy-free substitutes.

“A prime example of this trend is the recent collaboration between Kinoko Tech, a biotechnology company specialising in fungi-based products, and Metaphor Foods, an Australian food innovation company. Together, they are introducing a line of fungi-based food products that aim to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional meat,” Varma said.

The partnership uses Kinoko Tech’s fermentation technology, which cultivates mycelium to produce high-quality proteins that closely mimic the texture and taste of meat. According to Kinoko Tech, the process of growing mycelium consumes fewer resources, such as land, water and energy, compared to traditional livestock farming.

“Fungi-based products are expected to play a crucial role in the future of food by offering viable, scalable alternatives to meet the protein needs of a growing population while reducing environmental impact,” Varma said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Elena Rui