Australian Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Change Foods is a unique food-tech company with a mission to disrupt the dairy industry. Founded in 2020 by an Australian-US team, they’re taking the concept of “alternative dairy” a step further. Instead of relying on plant-based substitutes, Change Foods leverages the power of precision fermentation. This innovative approach uses friendly microbes to create the same proteins and fats found in traditional dairy products – but without involving any animals.

From Aerospace Engineer to Cheesemaker: The Story Behind Change Foods

David Bucca, Change Foods’ co-founder, brings an unexpected background to the table. Originally an aerospace engineer at Boeing, David’s passion for sustainability and ethical food systems led him to food innovation. Partnering with Professor of Bioengineering, Junior Te’o, they envisioned a future where delicious dairy products wouldn’t come at the environmental and ethical cost of conventional dairy farming.

Change Foods’ headquarters are located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. However, their Australian roots run deep. They maintain a strong presence in Australia, with ongoing research and development happening at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane. This Brisbane lab is where the magic happens – where scientists are developing the first prototypes of Change Foods’ animal-free dairy products.

What Makes Change Foods Different?

Plant-based dairy alternatives have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. While Change Foods acknowledges the value of plant-based options, their focus lies on replicating dairy at a more fundamental level. Through precision fermentation, they can create the exact same casein and fats (lipids) found in milk.

Here’s a breakdown of the science:

• Precision Fermentation: Microbes are essentially tiny factories. Change Foods identifies and selects specific microbes that can be “programmed” to produce the desired dairy proteins and fats through a fermentation process.
• Bioidentical Dairy: The proteins and fats produced by the microbes are identical to those found in cow’s milk. This means Change Foods’ products have the same taste, texture, and functionality as traditional dairy.
• Sustainable and Ethical: Precision fermentation uses significantly less land and water than conventional dairy farming. Additionally, it avoids the ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture.

Change Foods: A Win for Consumers, the Planet, and Animals

We dream of a world with a
thriving and sustainable food
system that is kind to people,
animals and the planet.

Change Foods’ mission goes beyond simply offering a delicious dairy alternative. Here’s how their approach benefits consumers, the environment, and animal welfare:

• For Consumers: Change Foods promises dairy products that are indistinguishable from the traditional kind, but potentially with additional health benefits and without the lactose. This caters to a growing segment of consumers seeking sustainable and ethically-sourced dairy options without compromising on taste or experience.
• For the Planet: Conventional dairy farming has a significant environmental footprint. Change Foods’ precision fermentation process requires less land and water, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
• For Animals: Change Foods’ products eliminate the need for animal agriculture, promoting better animal welfare.

Change Foods: A Look at the Future

Change Foods is still in the early stages of development. However, they have already garnered significant recognition within the food-tech industry. In 2022, they received a $1 million grant from the Australian Commonwealth Government to support their research into sustainable feedstock for their fermentation process.

With a growing team of scientists and a commitment to innovation, Change Foods is poised to revolutionize the dairy industry. Their approach offers a glimpse into a future where we can enjoy delicious and nutritious dairy products without harming the environment or animals.

This is just the beginning of Change Foods’ story. As they continue to develop their products and reach the market, they have the potential to reshape the way we think about – and consume – dairy.