Oobli secures FDA approval for third sweet protein

USA – Food tech startup Oobli has received its third regulatory green light from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), confirming that its brazzein-54 sweet protein is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a sweetener in food and beverage products.

The approval further strengthens Oobli’s precision fermentation platform, which aims to replace sugar and artificial sweeteners with healthier, protein-based alternatives.

Brazzein-54 is a naturally occurring sweet protein found in the oubli fruit, native to West Africa.

At up to 550 times sweeter than sucrose, it delivers sugar-like taste without the calories or metabolic impact associated with traditional sugars. 

Unlike plant-derived extracts that can degrade under heat or acidic conditions, Oobli’s precision-fermented proteins retain stability across a wide range of applications, from baked goods and beverages to dairy alternatives and confections.

This marks the company’s third successful FDA “no questions” letter, following earlier approvals for brazzein-53 and monellin. 

Brazzein-53, a minor isoform with 53 amino acids, is around 360 times sweeter than sucrose, while brazzein-54 contains 54 amino acids and delivers 280 times the sweetness of table sugar.

Together, these proteins give manufacturers flexibility in formulating sugar-free or reduced-sugar products that meet consumer demand for both taste and health benefits.

Oobli produces its sweet proteins using precision fermentation, a process in which yeast strains such as Komagataella phaffii are engineered with the DNA sequence of the target protein. 

The microbes grow in fermentation tanks, secrete the proteins, which are then filtered and purified into ingredients suitable for commercial food production. This approach allows a scalable, consistent supply without the agricultural limitations of sourcing directly from fruit.

The company, which has raised nearly US$50 million in funding, has already commercialised its sweet proteins through a line of dark and milk chocolates.

It is now preparing to expand into new categories via partnerships with ingredient supplier Ingredion and baked goods leader Grupo Bimbo.

Sweet proteins are increasingly viewed as a transformative alternative to sugar, artificial sweeteners, and even natural options like stevia and erythritol. 

They activate the same taste receptors as sugar but do not impact blood glucose, insulin levels, or the gut microbiome, offering clear advantages for health-conscious consumers.

With FDA approval of brazzein-54, Oobli is positioned to accelerate its entry into a broader range of food and beverage applications, helping manufacturers reduce sugar content while maintaining sweetness and taste integrity.

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