PoLoPo, a deeptech company developing high-protein potato varieties, has announced a strategic shift to focus on the snack industry.
The company has created a patented potato variety with up to three times as much protein as conventional potatoes, allowing for the production of high-protein chips without the need for new processing lines or equipment. No added ingredients are required, since the proteins grow directly in the potatoes.
PoLoPo claims the technology can be integrated into any potato variety, supporting clean-label positioning with no compromise on taste or texture. The company expects to receive USDA clearance for its proprietary bioengineered potato varieties by the end of the year.
“This is not another highly processed protein snack with a long ingredients list,” said Maya Sapir-Mir, PoLoPo’s CEO. “We make the best potatoes in the world, allowing snack makers a faster, cleaner way to meet rising demand for high-protein products.”
“Speed, scale, and regulatory clarity”
PoLoPo has previously made significant progress in molecular farming, successfully engineering potato plants to produce animal-identical proteins. However, the company now sees the opportunity to commercialize more rapidly by using its core platform to increase native potato protein instead.
In March, PoLoPo completed a successful field trial, producing five tons of protein-rich potatoes, and announced the expansion of its lab capabilities to meet the growing demand for protein samples. The following month, the company said it had completed the design of a pilot-scale facility for processing its engineered potatoes into functional protein powders for food industry applications.
PoLoPo is now working with manufacturers and brands to develop high-protein chips, with a pilot program currently underway. Additional partners are invited to join.
“We remain committed to molecular farming and protein ingredients,” said Sapir-Mir. “But the chips market offers speed, scale, and regulatory clarity. It’s the right first step to bring engineered potatoes to consumers, through the world’s most loved snack.”
