Singapore-based restaurant Fico is making culinary history with the launch of the world's first Solein Chocolate Gelato, a dessert that uses ingredients derived from thin air. Solein, the most sustainable protein in the world, is produced by Finnish food tech company Solar Foods. Following regulatory approval in Singapore, Fico unveiled the Solein Chocolate Gelato in an invite-only tasting event on May 25, 2023. This revolutionary gelato, which replaces dairy with Solein protein, will be available to the public starting from June 15 at Fico.
A New Era of Sustainable Food Production:
For the first time ever, a food product unrelated to photosynthesis and traditional agriculture is being introduced to the general public. The innovative Solein Chocolate Gelato showcases a future where familiar tastes and textures are combined with a groundbreaking production method. By utilizing Solein, Fico has eliminated the need for animal products while maintaining the flavors and experiences that consumers know and love.
A Taste of the Future:
To commemorate the release of Solein, the visionary team led by Oliver Truesdale-Jutras, Director of sustainability consultancy Re: Growth, and Fico's Chef-partner Mirko Febbrile curated a Solein-inspired tasting menu, highlighting the flavors of Singapore in an exclusive event. Drawing inspiration from the mild aroma and umami notes of Solein, Chef Mirko explored the pairing of Solein with indulgent chocolate flavors, elevating familiar tastes to new heights.
Chef Mirko shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Being the first chef team to introduce such a unique ice cream to the world is a remarkable opportunity. We've been able to create a vegan ice cream without compromising on creaminess by replacing dairy with Solein. Exploring Solein's versatility has been an incredible journey, and it opens up opportunities for us to reimagine the food chain in a sustainable and responsible way."
Pedal for Gelato Initiative:
The world's first Solein-powered ice cream will be launched through Fico's Pedal for Gelato initiative. This initiative promotes a healthier lifestyle through play and exercise, rewarding participants who cycle more than 15km in a day with a complimentary scoop of gelato. The initiative not only encourages physical activity but also serves as a testament to the sustainable values that Solein represents.
Versatility and Functionality of Solein:
Solein Chocolate Gelato exemplifies the versatility of the novel ingredient. Solein seamlessly blends into various dishes, both sweet and savory. While the color in the gelato comes from the chocolate, the Solein protein itself is transparent, making it virtually undetectable. This highlights the ability to incorporate Solein into familiar foods, allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite dishes with the added benefits of sustainability.
Future Expansion and Partnerships:
Fico's new gelato is just the beginning of a range of Solein-based foods expected to enter the market in the coming years. Solar Foods recently announced a strategic alliance with Japanese food company Ajinomoto, marking their first partnership with a global food brand. The collaboration involves developing products using Solein and conducting a marketability study, scheduled to begin in Q1 2024. Solar Foods' upcoming facility, Factory 01, currently under construction in Finland, will enable large-scale commercial production of Solein, paving the way for a sustainable food revolution.
Fico's introduction of the world's first Solein Chocolate Gelato is a groundbreaking achievement that transforms the ice cream industry. By harnessing the potential of Solein, Fico showcases a future where sustainable and responsible food production coexists with familiar flavors. This milestone underscores the endless possibilities that arise from innovative solutions and paves the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious culinary landscape.