EverGrain, a sustainable ingredient company that is revolutionizing the use of barley to deliver highly nutritious protein and fiber barley-based ingredients, has been launched. It’s also being backed by beer heavyweight Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev). 

EverGrain ingredients are currently available in products such as Take Two, a plant-based barley milk line. The company also has several product launches with commercial partners planned to reach shelves in both the US and Europe in the first quarter of this year.

With a commitment to sustainability through circularity, the new company uses “proprietary processes to realize the full potential of barley, and to deliver products that are better for people and better for the planet.”

EverGrain utilizes saved grain from brewing and, through its innovative processes, transforms the circularly sourced barley into nutrient-rich ingredients that can be used in various F&B products. 

Circular approach
EverGrain is prepared to lead the industry in optimizing barley after five years of rigorous R&D. 

“Our unique barley ingredients will transform plant-based products, delivering better tasting and more nutritious options to consumers who seek a healthier and more sustainable future,” says founder and CEO Greg Belt.

“EverGrain’s innovative and circular approach, which we’ve honed over the past five years, offers a scalable, local and reliable solution for industry to help address the world’s food security and sustainability challenges.”

Plant-based foods are among the fastest-growing categories in the global food industry, significantly outpacing other traditional varieties. 

According to the HealthFocus International (HFI) 2019 Global Report, a quarter of global shoppers say plant-based foods and beverages have become more important in their diets and are willing to pay a premium for plant-based products. 

Backed by the world’s largest brewer, EverGrain will support its commercial customers’ growing demand by providing a scalable, consistent and stable supply of its ingredients – reaching global businesses with ingredients made locally.

“AB InBev is proud to support such a remarkable, purpose-driven venture with a mission to create incredible ingredients to nourish the world through the transformative power of circularity,” says Tony Milikin, chief sustainability and procurement officer at AB InBev. 

“EverGrain marks an important milestone in our ultimate goal of building a better world as we look to the next 100 years and beyond.”

An essential ingredient
By creating value in the circular economy, EverGrain seeks to partner with some of the world’s leading organizations as they turn to barley as an essential ingredient to elevate their products with more nutritional value for consumers around the world. 

Ultimately, these ingredients will also positively impact social and environmental challenges like the goal of affordable, sustainable nutrition for the malnourished.

“Plant-based proteins have been an important health trend for over a decade. But for many new consumers coming into these categories, their motivation is no longer just their health and well-being. Still, more broadly, their environmental concerns and commitment to sustainable practices and companies,” says Jeffrey Brams, GC & VP R&D for Garden of Life, LLC.

“As a ‘circular’ project, there’s no additional land or energy needed to grow EverGrain, and minimal water and energy are required to transform this nutritionally dense barley source into an exciting new plant protein.”

According to Frederik Lievens, group products director at Puratos, EverGrain’s barley offers a unique plant-based protein and fiber option that doesn’t require additional land, saves water, and lowers a product’s overall carbon footprint. 

“We’re working with EverGrain to develop the ingredient technology that will allow bakeries to make great tasting, nutritious and sustainable breads featuring barley ingredients in line with consumer-preferred texture and freshness expectations,” he says. 

Opportunities for multiple applications
With this launch, EverGrain is commercializing its first generation of nutrient-rich, ancient grain products to market, EverPro and EverVita. 

Both product lines are highly versatile and can be used across a wide range of food products. EverPro, a fully soluble protein isolate, is currently being formulated in multiple plant-based protein products, including beverages, protein bars and snacks. 

EverVita, barley fibers and proteins with minimal starch are used as a single solution to boost the nutrition and gut health benefits of baked goods, pasta and snacks without impacting taste and texture.