Compound Foods has officially launched its proprietary platform for beanless coffee and cocoa ingredients. This initiative aims to mitigate risks in global supply chains for these at-risk commodities.
The startup was founded to address challenges in coffee and cocoa production, including supply shortages and climate change. By utilizing upcycled agricultural byproducts and fermentation, Compound Foods offers alternatives that maintain flavor and functionality.
Maricel Saenz, founder and CEO of Compound Foods, highlighted the vulnerabilities in the coffee supply chain. She questioned whether it was possible to recreate coffee experiences with resilient ingredients while lowering emissions through food science.
For food brands, the ongoing challenges of tighter margins and unpredictable supplies have intensified the need for reformulation. Compound Foods provides scalable solutions that deliver taste, aroma, and performance akin to traditional coffee and cocoa without sourcing complications.
To create its products, Compound Foods maps the molecular compounds that define the sensory experiences of coffee and cocoa. The company uses underutilized ingredients like seeds and fibers, applying fermentation and roasting techniques to develop desirable flavor profiles.
Swetha Mahadevan, Head of Product at Compound Foods, explained that their process involved identifying over 800 coffee compounds and layering formulations to achieve the desired taste. This approach combines upcycling and microbial science for effective product delivery.
The platform integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes, minimizing the need for costly reformulations. Compound Foods also offers custom formulations to meet different nutritional and labeling requirements.
Blind taste tests conducted at Purdue University showed that 60% of participants preferred Compound’s coffee over premium brands like Blue Bottle and Stumptown.
Originally focused on coffee, Compound Foods accelerated the development of a cocoa-free alternative due to a 2024 supply crisis. This rapid response resulted in a solution that offers similar taste and functionality at a more stable cost.
