Spent brewer’s grain repurposed as clean-label emulsifier

Can byproducts from the beer industry become a fully-fledged food ingredient? Utrecht-based scale-up MaGie Creations proves that they can. With the launch of PowerBond, the company introduces the world’s first emulsifier made from spent brewer’s grain—fully circular and clean-label.

A new role for beer’s biggest residual stream

Beer brewing generates a significant amount of spent grain. This stream, which accounts for roughly 85% of brewery byproducts, is usually discarded or used as animal feed. MaGie Creations has developed a process that transforms this material into PowerBond: a patented, food-safe emulsifier. As a result, a common residual stream now gains a high-value function in food, without generating new waste.

Clean-label and circular go hand in hand

The innovation addresses three pressing challenges facing the food industry: making food production more sustainable, reducing reliance on ultra-processed additives, and tapping into underutilised resources. “This innovation is more than just a new ingredient—it’s a glimpse into the future of food,” says founder Madeleine Gielens. According to MaGie, PowerBond demonstrates that clean-label and circular principles can coexist without compromising on taste or functionality.

Rising consumer demand drives momentum

Interest in natural, local and plant-based ingredients continues to grow. Younger, climate-conscious consumers in particular are paying close attention to what’s on the label. PowerBond fits neatly into that trend and can be used across a wide range of food categories, from baked goods to meat and meat alternatives. “We need a systems shift,” says Ellen van der Starre, head of product development. “By thoroughly examining spent brewer’s grain, we uncovered functional properties that are naturally present in this valuable biomass.”

Magiecreations.com