Ep. 14 - Laura Hackl (Plant-Based Nutrition Advisor)
Dec 5, 2022
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Laura Hackl, a Tech Advisor to plant-based sustainable food product startups, discusses her background and involvement with Plant Provisions and TerraBio. She shares insights on the interrelationships between texture, flavor, and nutrition in food. Laura also explores the impact of her educational background in pharmacy and natural sciences on her roles and skills. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and promoting plant-based foods, as well as the role of nutrition in shaping the alternative protein industry. Laura highlights the need to improve the nutrient content of these products, while considering individual preferences.
Identify gaps in the alternative protein space and collaborate with stakeholders to contribute to its growth.
Improving nutritional profiles of alternative protein products is crucial for long-term success and consumer acceptance.
Deep dives
Laura's Journey into Alternative Protein Space
Laura Hackle, a tech advisor to startups in the plant-based sustainable food industry, shares her transition into the alternative protein space. With a background in pharmacy and nutrition, Laura's interest in improving nutrition for vulnerable populations and reducing animal product intake led her to explore the development of plant-based food products. Through her work on food fortification and nutrition programs, Laura realized the potential impact of alternative protein products and started actively participating in the industry, joining startups like Plant Provisions and Terabio. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork in product development, as different perspectives contribute to improved taste, texture, packaging, and marketing. Laura's journey highlights the growth and possibilities within the alternative protein space.
Developing Recipes and Scaling Up with Plant Provisions and Terabio
Laura Hackle details her involvement with startups Plant Provisions and Terabio. In the early stages, she focused on conceptualization, discussing key decisions like ingredients, dietary restrictions, and product reputation. Laura experimented with recipes on a small scale, adjusting ratios and taste profiles until suitable prototypes emerged. The development process took time and required collaboration with experts in food technology and scaling up production. As the team addressed technological challenges and aimed for consistent appearance and texture, key insights and iterations shaped the final product. While Laura's involvement varies between hands-on recipe development and strategic advisory roles, her dedication is evident in supporting the growth and availability of alternative protein products.
The Role of Nutrition and Consumer Acceptance in the Alternative Protein Industry
Laura Hackle discusses the significance of nutrition in the alternative protein industry and its impact on consumer acceptance. Taste and texture have improved significantly in plant-based products; however, enhancing nutritional profiles is crucial for long-term success. It is essential to ensure that alternative protein offerings are at least as nutritious as conventional options, addressing concerns raised by critics. Consumer awareness and demand for healthier options drive the development of products with improved nutritional content. Laura also emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of nutritional claims to ensure transparency. The ongoing R&D efforts aim to create affordable, nutritious, and delicious plant-based products that accelerate the shift away from animal-based protein consumption.
Laura Hackl is a Tech Advisor to start-ups, such as Plant Provisions and Terrabio, where she helps develop plant-based sustainable food products including recipe design, scale-up, and nutrient composition. Laura is based in Vienna, Austria, and currently serves as Research Advisor for USAID Advancing Nutrition. In this role she designs scientific studies, orchestrates stakeholder collaborations, and leads activities on food fortification, anemia/micronutrients, and diet quality. Laura has a PhD in Health Sciences and Technology from ETH Zürich. Her advice is to identify existing gaps in the alternative protein space, learn how you can contribute, and reach out to stakeholders in the industry to learn about their experiences.
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