NEW TECH FOODS

PoLoPo, a deep-tech B2B company pioneering bioengineered potato varieties, has announced it aims to bring its molecular farming to the snack aisle with a drop-in solution for high-protein chips.

The company’s proprietary high-protein potato delivers up to three times the protein of conventional tubers, providing a clean-label, plant-based alternative for snack manufacturers seeking functional differentiation without compromising flavour or texture.

Unlike conventional protein-enriched snacks, which often rely on added powders or multi-ingredient formulations, PoLoPo’s technology builds the protein directly into the potato. The result is a natural, scalable solution that requires no changes to existing chip production lines and aligns with rising consumer demand for clean-label, minimally processed snacks.

“This is not another protein-enriched chip with a long ingredient list,” said Maya Sapir-Mir, CEO of PoLoPo. “We’re growing better potatoes, potatoes that meet the market’s demand for functionality, without sacrificing the crunch, flavour or convenience consumers expect from chips.”

With USDA clearance anticipated by the end of 2025, PoLoPo is preparing for commercial rollout. Its high-protein potatoes are already being tested in pilot production runs, with additional manufacturing and brand partners invited to join.

The company’s move into snacks marks a commercial milestone in its broader molecular farming ambitions. Originally focused on producing animal-identical proteins in plants, PoLoPo identified native potato protein enhancement as a faster path to market with strong consumer appeal and a clear regulatory route.

“We remain deeply committed to molecular farming and alternative proteins,” added Sapir-Mir. “But the chips market offers speed, scale and clarity. It’s the ideal entry point for bringing engineered crops to mainstream consumers.”