Chinova Bioworks Innovates with Chiber Mushroom Extract for Natural Food Preservation
As the demand for clean-label products increases, Chinova Bioworks has developed Chiber Mushroom Extract, an innovative natural antimicrobial ingredient. Chiber is derived from upcycled white button mushroom stems, specifically the purified chitosan fibres that are positively charged and interact with the negatively charged cell walls of microorganisms. This interaction helps inhibit microbial growth, thus protecting a wide range of food and beverage products from spoilage.
The ingredient provides broad-spectrum protection against spoilage organisms such as yeast, mould, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, it helps manage microbial risks associated with pathogens like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. This feature is crucial for products where preservation and safety are significant challenges.
Chiber is designed to be flavourless, odourless, and colourless, thus maintaining the intended taste, texture, and appearance of the finished products. It is particularly suitable for applications with delicate flavour profiles, including non-alcoholic beers, carbonated beverages, and refrigerated foods such as yogurt and dips.
Furthermore, Chiber aids in achieving clean-label objectives by allowing brands to replace synthetic preservatives like potassium sorbate. Depending on the application and regulatory market, it may be identified as 'Mushroom Fiber Extract,' 'White Button Mushroom Fiber,' or 'Natural Flavour.' The ingredient is also vegan, kosher, halal certified, gluten-free, allergen-free, and compliant with organic standards.
For beverage producers, Chiber provides an alternative to energy-intensive tunnel pasteurisation. It supports microbial stability without heat treatment, preserving hop character, carbonation, and fresh flavour, while reducing the need for expensive processing equipment. Chiber also facilitates draft service of non-alcoholic beer by controlling microbial growth in keg lines.
An additional benefit of Chiber is its sustainability, as it is made from upcycled mushroom stems, transforming an underused agricultural by-product into a functional food protection ingredient. By extending product freshness and reducing spoilage, it helps address food waste and supports more efficient production processes.
