BMC Ingredients secures India FSSAI approval for Rhiza mycoprotein

BMC Ingredients has secured FSSAI approval to sell its Rhiza mycoprotein in India, with a planned launch in the second quarter of 2027. This marks the fourth global regulatory clearance for the US food tech startup's fermentation-derived ingredient, following approvals in the United States, Singapore, and Canada. The approval allows supply to food manufacturers to begin in India next year.

Rhiza is a mycelium ingredient produced by fermenting the food-use fungus Neurospora crassa. The company operates a 9,000-litre bioreactor in Sacramento and has partnered with a contract manufacturer in Asia to scale production. Large-scale output of 100 dry metric tons per month is planned to begin in Q2 2027, enabling the Indian and Canadian market entries.

Product formats target texture and solubility needs

Rhiza is offered in two distinct formats to meet different manufacturing needs. RhizaTex is designed for texture-critical applications like meat analogues, providing a meat-like texture for replacement or blended products. RhizaPro is a powdered format prized for its solubility, emulsification, and gelation properties, intended for protein and fiber enrichment in a wide array of foods.

The ingredient is shelf-stable and suitable for ambient temperature storage. BMC targets supply to food manufacturers but has not yet named specific Indian customers or the first finished products that will contain Rhiza.

Nutritional profile addresses key Indian dietary gaps

The launch comes amid significant concern over protein intake in India. Seventy-three percent of Indian citizens are reported to not get enough protein, and the country's per capita protein consumption is projected to triple from 9.5kg in 2025 to 30kg by 2070. Rhiza's nutritional profile is designed to address these gaps.

It contains 45-51% protein and 30% dietary fiber, with a protein digestibility score ranging from 0.87 to 0.96. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids and includes minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium. The mycoprotein also contains the longevity-linked compounds ergothioneine and spermidine. It is non-GMO, cholesterol-free, virtually free of saturated fat, and suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher diets. It is also free from major allergens like soy, dairy, eggs, and gluten.

Market readiness aligns with consumer demand

Consumer trends show strong readiness for such an ingredient. Eighty-two percent of Gen Z consumers say consuming protein is important, and 91% of that group are open to plant-based foods to increase intake. Also, 49% of Indians have been buying more high-fiber foods, and 37% want to add more plant proteins to their diets. A third of Indian consumers are willing to pay a premium for protein-boosted foods.

The high-protein dairy market in India, a potential application area, grew 9.4% in 2024 to reach $1.5 billion. Regulatory groundwork is solid. Beyond the FSSAI approval, the US FDA issued a 'no questions' letter in 2024 recognizing Rhiza as GRAS for uses including dairy and meat alternatives. Health Canada issued a letter of no objection in 2024, and the USDA has approved Rhiza for use in meat products.

BMC Ingredients, which began trading under its current name in July after previously operating as The Better Meat Co., closed a $31 million Series A funding round last year. The company has also secured five agreements with major meat producers across North America, South America, and Asia. Paul Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of BMC Ingredients, stated that Indians want more protein without resorting to meat or processed isolates. BMC will begin supplying Rhiza to Indian food manufacturers starting in the second quarter of 2027.