UpGrain

UpGrain is a Swiss food-ingredients company based in Appenzell that converts brewer's spent grain (BSG), a by-product of the brewing process, into plant-based protein and dietary fiber ingredients. Its process relies on mechanical separation and drying technology, requiring no additional water, land, or chemicals in extraction, and it reports a production process that is 90% more environmentally friendly than conventional protein sources such as soy or pea. The company positions its work within circular food systems, with the stated aims of reducing food waste and preserving natural resources.

Technical work at UpGrain spans food processing, mechanical separation, drying technology, upcycling of brewer's spent grain, and the extraction of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. The company's input material is barley malt spent grain, which is locally sourced, and its outputs are 100% plant-based.

The product range comprises UpGrain Protein, a protein-rich ingredient for applications from baked goods to plant-based meat alternatives; UpGrain Classic, a fiber-rich ingredient for a wide range of food applications; UpGrain TVP, a textured vegetable protein for plant-based meat alternatives; and UpGrain Flakes, a flake-form ingredient used in applications such as baked goods.

UpGrain operates in the food ingredients, plant-based foods, and brewing-byproduct upcycling verticals, and describes a commitment to healthy and circular food ecosystems.