Entrepreneurs Hope To Profit From Innovative Alternative Protein Sources

A growing number of food entrepreneurs are looking to eliminate the middleman of protein production – namely, animals such as beef cattle and chickens. Their focus, as described to a gathering of venture capitalists and others interested in alternative sources of protein, is production of high-protein foods directly from plants and insects. Key benefits would be a vast reduction in water usage and greenhouse gas emissions associated with raising beef cattle. Among the start-ups: Beyond Meat, which makes a meat substitute from soybeans, peas, and carrot fiber; Hampton Creek, maker of a pea-, sorghum-, and canola-based egg substitute; and Exo, whose protein bar mix combines dates, almond butter, and coconut with flour made from crickets that have been roasted and milled.