nir-vana innovation network

A large Finnish Research Institute promoting bioeconomy and sustainable use of natural resources has developed a unique plant-based snack and is now looking for partners from the food industry interested in novel food products.

The Institute has wide experience in food systems from primary production and different cultivation methods to food processing, development of novel food concepts and consumer buying habits.

The Institute has developed a unique snack concept containing buckwheat, quinoa and berries. The aim is to commercialize the developed snack product or product family using a licensing model.

Developed product contains buckwheat, quinoa and berries. Required hardware include cooking pot/pasteurizer, fermenter, and packing line. The developed product can be used as solid or drinkable snack product or as breakfast product.

The Institute, who has developed the product, has strong experience in food systems, alternative protein sources, research and international research sales.

The Research Institute is looking for partners for licensing agreement from the food industry in Germany, UK, France Italy and Poland.

Advantages & innovations

Snack markets are rapidly growing and there is need for nutritious and healthy alternatives. The snack developed by the Finnish Research Institute is healthy, tasty, gluten-, dairy-, and soya-free, and in addition, easy to produce. The seeds of pseudocereals, buckwheat and quinoa are used in a similar manner as grains. Both buckwheat and quinoa have good amino acid profiles and they are rich in fibre, minerals and many vitamins. They are also rich in phenolics; especially quinoa contains high contents of flavonoids. The third main ingredient of snack product are berries (or fruits) that are well-known to be excellent sources of vitamins and flavonoids. In addition to health-beneficial ingredients the snack contains lactic acid and bifidobacteria. These bacteria can balance the gastrointestinal microbiota, promote the well-being of the stomach and the balance of intestinal microbes, e.g. antibiotics, medication and dietary changes.

Stage of development

Available for demonstration

Partner sought

The Institute is looking for partners for licensing agreement in the food industry. The partners should be interested in novel food products. Required know-how and equipment: hardware include cooking pot/pasteurizer, fermenter, and packing line.