This U.S Startup Is Turning Beer Waste Into Vegan Milk

By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

To remedy the food waste conundrum and put edible leftovers to good use, a U.S. beverage start-up is converting unused grain leftovers from the beer brewing process into a line of sustainable plant-based beverages. Canvas aims to be a source of “sustainable nourishment,” and will have its drinks on supermarket shelves by the fall of this year.

FoodNavigator reports that earlier in 2017, Canvas revealed its plan on Kickstarter. After nearly doubling its initial goal of $25,000, it officially launched the business. Reportedly, “backers” will receive the vegan beverage for half the suggested retail price when it is commercially available.

During the beer brewing process, a protein byproduct referred to as “spent grain” is produced. It results when barley is milled and mashed to separate the starch which is then used to make beer. Usually, spent grain goes to waste. The wasteful process results in roughly eight billion pounds of spent grain each year — that’s the equivalent of 3.2 billion pounds of unused protein and 2.4 billion pounds of fiber. Fortunately, Canvas is putting the byproduct to good use.

The founders of the company, Sarah Pool and Jason Stamm, seek to incorporate the byproduct into a plant-based milk to boost people’s fiber intake and reduce global food waste. Said Pool, “The beverage is a new frontier in sustainable nourishment. Our goal is to turn as much spent grain into ‘saved grain’ as possible to expand access to better nutrition for everyone.”

The task of developing a plant-based drink that uses spent grain wasn’t easy. Reportedly, it took a team of 12 food scientists and at least a dozen prototypes to figure out a fermentation process that would preserve the grain while unlocking its nutritional benefits. Finally, they succeeded.

Each bottle of Canvas provides nearly half the daily recommended intake of fiber (approximately 10 to 15 grams per bottle), 10 grams of plant-based protein, and an abundance of healthy medium-chain fatty acids from coconut. Additional ingredients are cashews, coconut milk, pea protein and chicory root — all of which tout health benefits.

When the line is launched, the 12 oz plant-based drink will be available in five flavors: original, cold brew latte, cocoa, turmeric chai, and matcha. Consumers can pat themselves on the back when they indulge in one, as the beverage is free of refined sugars, dairy and fake ingredients.

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Image Credit: Canvas, Kickstarter

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I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here