Whole Foods Market Approves Clean-Label Chiber Mushroom Fiber as Ingredient

Canadian food technology company Chinova Bioworks’ clean-label shelf-life extender, Chiber, is the first mushroom fiber to be included in Whole Foods Market’s approved ingredient list

Chiber is a natural fiber extracted from white button mushrooms that extends the shelf life of food and beverage products It has been gaining traction in the food industry due to its natural origins and ability to help reduce food waste by improving the quality and freshness of products, according to Chinova

Whole Foods Market established a rigorous Quality Standards program that evaluates ever y ingredient used in the products sold in its stores This program ensures only approved ingredients are used and that ever y product meets the high standards of quality and safety that customers have come to expect from the retailer

Chinova Bioworks provided detailed safety, processing and application data on Chiber Mushroom Extract to the Whole Foods Market review team Afterward, the ingredient was added on to the list as an acceptable ingredient

The over whelmingly positive results speak for themselves, with the ingredient featured in five listings: Chiber, mushroom fiber, mushroom derived fiber, white button mushroom fiber and white button mushroom derived fiber

“Chiber is transforming the food industry by providing a natural and effective solution for extending the shelf-life of food and beverage products,” said Natasha Dhayagude, CEO and co-founder of Chinova Bioworks “This milestone serves as a testament to Chinova’s commitment to providing innovative and sustainable in- gredients to meet the ever-evolving needs of manufacturers and consumers ”

Using a patented eco-friendly process, Chinova Bioworks extracts a fiber from the upcycled stems of white button mushrooms to create a clean-label shelf-life extender easily incorporated into food and beverage products while providing broad spectrum protection against spoilage-causing microorganisms

Chiber is allergen-free, has no sensory impact and extends the shelf life of products without affecting taste, texture or appearance Approved for use in the United States, Canada and 70 other countries, Chiber is certified as vegan, Kosher and Halal and is organic and non-GMO compliant

“Whole Foods has been a trusted source for natural and organic products and we are proud to be the only natural and clean label antimicrobial ingredient approved under their ingredient qualification program,” said David Brown, COO and cofounder of Chinova Bioworks “Chiber naturally meets their rigorous standards for transparent and healthy ingredients

“The approval of Chiber for use in Whole Foods stores provides food and beverage manufacturers with a clean-label solution to enhance the quality and freshness of their products, while increasing transparency and sustainability ”

Chiber Mushroom Extract is used across the food and beverage industry, including those in the beverage, bakery, plant-based meat and plant-based dairy industries

With the approval from Whole Foods Market, Chinova Bioworks is able to work with more food and beverage producers to make their products clean-label and acceptable for the important national retailer GN