Mush Foods

Founded in 2021, Mush Foods is an Israeli company that develops alternative proteins from mushroom mycelium. This includes 50CUT, a mycelium protein ingredient composed of three edible mushroom mycelium species. The product is developed specifically for hybrid meat applications, with the target of reducing the animal protein content in meat products by 50%. According to the company, once 50CUT is combined with ground beef, it has the ability to absorb water, fat, and aromatic compounds to look similar to beef while maintaining the nutritional value of the animal product.

The company grows its mycelium in indoor farms above the ground using a fermentation platform that recreates underground growth conditions. The final product is claimed to contain zero additional ingredients, binders, additives, or flavorings, making 50CUT a clean-label product.

Key customers and partnership

In April 2024, Mush Foods partnered with Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, a US butchery, to launch the 50CUT Burger. This burger combines ground beef with four types of mushrooms, providing a more environmentally friendly option to traditional beef burgers.

Funding and financials

Mush Foods is a portfolio company of The Kitchen FoodTech Hub by Strauss Group and is backed by the Israel Innovation Authority. In November 2023, the company won USD 250,000 in the Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Business Competition. The winnings were to be used for further product development. Later during the year, the company raised USD 6.2 million in seed funding led by Viola Ventures, with participation from others. The new funds were earmarked for supporting its entry into the market and the launch of 50CUT into foodservice.