Microbial Protein-Derived Postbiotic Launches for Digestive and Immune Health
US startup Superbrewed Food has launched Thryvia, a postbiotic ingredient derived from microbial protein, for use in various products
US fermentation startup Superbrewed Food has unveiled a new postbiotic ingredient called Thryvia, designed to boost immunity and digestive health. This innovation can be used in shelf-stable supplements, foods, beverages, and pet nutrition products at low inclusion rates.
Introduction to Thryvia
Thryvia is derived from the same microbial strain as Superbrewed Food's whole-food SB1 protein. According to Superbrewed co-founder and CEO Bryan Tracy, the global biotics industry now exceeds $100B, with the market currently dominated by probiotics. However, Tracy claims that the benefits consumers value come from the postbiotics they produce.
Benefits and Applications of Thryvia
Thryvia delivers precision postbiotic signals directly in a shelf-stable ingredient that formulates easily into various foods, beverages, and supplements. The postbiotic ingredient can be used at low doses across an array of applications, including capsules, powders, gummies, bars, foods, and beverages. It is also compatible with dairy, cereals, snacks, and frozen desserts for humans, and works with conventional extrusion processes for pet food.
The benefits of Thryvia include its efficacy at small concentrations, with an intended inclusion rate of 200mg per serving. This enables flexible product development without the viability-management requirements associated with live probiotics. The company can already supply Thryvia at commercial scale.
Testing and Evaluation of Thryvia
To test the impact of Thryvia, Superbrewed conducted a blind consumer test, which found that Thryvia was preferred by 52% of participants, outperforming the market-leading postbiotic brand. Third-party preclinical studies show targeted activation of innate immune receptors, while controlled animal research confirms that these immune signals translate into meaningful biological outcomes.
In a four-week consumer perception study, participants reported less digestive discomfort and improved immune resilience after consuming dairy boosted with Thryvia. The ingredient has also secured a 'no questions' letter from the US Food and Drug Administration and is undergoing novel food safety evaluations in the EU and the UK.
| Product Type | Inclusion Rate | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Supplements | 200mg per serving | Digestive health and immune signalling |
| Foods and Beverages | 200mg per serving | Boosts immunity and digestive health |
| Pet Nutrition | 200mg per serving | Supports digestive health and immune signalling |
The launch of Thryvia marks a significant development in the biotics industry, with potential applications across various sectors. As Michael Bush, co-chairman of Superbrewed's board, stated, Thryvia has the potential to be a category-defining ingredient in the microbiome space.
