INNOVATION SERVICES

Your Partners in Upcycled Innovation

Think of us as a true extension of your team, supporting you with interdisciplinary expertise from product development straight through go-to-market execution.

At Upcycled Food Labs, we turn food waste into profitable solutions. Our end-to-end innovation services move opportunities from business case development to commercialization—helping brands unlock new revenue streams while tackling food waste head-on.

From uncovering hidden opportunities to developing products, scaling production, and launching to market, we’re with you every step of the way to transform overlooked byproducts into sustainable growth.

Introducing The Upcycled Food Labs

Opportunity Discovery
We uncover hidden opportunities in your byproducts and identify strategic pathways to transform them into valuable products.

Business Case Development
We build robust business cases by defining target customers, value propositions, channel strategy, and competitive benchmarking to ensure market fit and financial viability.

Product Development
We bring your product to life through formulation, prototyping, consumer research and validation, sensory testing, and claims substantiation to ensure it meets market needs and quality standards.

Scale-Up & Commercialization
We optimize production processes, supply chains, and go-to-market strategies that deliver profitability and impact.

Market Launch & Growth
We partner with you to launch effectively, expand distribution, and drive sustainable growth.

Why Work With Us?

Expertise And Experience

Our interdisciplinary team of upcycling pioneers has deep expertise in food science, product development, sustainability, finance, operations, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and culinary arts. Together, we bring over 150 years of combined experience to every project.

Reduce Innovation Risk

Leverage our expertise to cost-effectively minimize risk and accelerate the success of your R&D and sustainability initiatives.

Comprehensive Services

We offer end-to-end R&D services, guiding your innovation journey from discovery through to deployment, ensuring successful project execution.

Agility

Our approach is agile and entrepreneurial, allowing us to tailor our services to fit any budget.

Proven Success

With a strong track record of successful projects, we have consistently delivered innovative, market-ready solutions that drive growth and sustainability.

Our Work

Supporting Private
Label Innovation

Bridged the gap between food waste reduction goals and private brand innovation to drive sustainability leadership.

CHALLENGE

Kroger sought to expand its private label offerings with products that meet growing consumer demand for sustainability and align with its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative.

SOLUTION

UP, Inc. collaborated with Kroger to integrate ReGrained SuperGrain^+® into new products, accelerating product innovation and advancing sustainability goals.

RESULTS

A range of product concepts across multiple categories, including the launch of three bread SKUs (Seeded Multigrain, Multigrain Quinoa, Apple Cinnamon) in 1,800 stores across 18 states.

A WORD FROM OUR PARTNER

“Upcycled Foods, Inc. Helped Us Connect The Dots Between Our Food Waste Reduction Goals And Our Private Brand Innovation Priorities.”
– Mike Florea, Kroger Private Brands Innovation

Co-developing Value-added
Upcycled Ingredient Solutions

Launched product positioned as a leading innovation in the category with enhanced nutritional profile and sustainability credentials.

CHALLENGE

Kerry needed to offer innovative ingredients for CPG customers that delivered taste and nutrition with meaningful sustainability credentials.

SOLUTION

UP, Inc. co-created the world’s first upcycled protein crisp. Each serving offers significantly more protein and fiber – two in-demand nutrients by consumers – over conventional alternatives.

RESULTS

The upcycled protein crisp generated significant sales opportunities, demonstrating strong market interest and potential for broader adoption.

Reducing Supply Chain Risk with Upcycled Alternatives

Developed innovative, plant-based cocoa powder replacement ideal, for baking applications.

Upcycled cocoa uses less water, reduces CO₂- emissions, mitigates deforestation, and eliminates unethical labor.

CHALLENGE

Cocoa ingredients are central to billions of dollars of revenue for a major food brand, yet price is increasingly inflating.

SOLUTION

UP, Inc. identified a novel upcycled supply, developed proprietary processes, and delivered viable prototypes.

RESULTS

The upcycled cocoa ingredient was successfully integrated into a major product formula, offering potential as a cost-effective solution amid price volatility while supporting ESG goals.

Collaborating Commercially for Concept and Product Development

Co-developed versatile upcycled bakery solutions, launching SuperGrain^+® Sourdough Baker’s Blend for retail and foodservice applications.

CHALLENGE

Puratos needed a versatile upcycled ingredient for bakery applications to meet growing consumer demand for sustainable options.

SOLUTION

UP, Inc. and Puratos co-developed upcycled bakery solutions, adaptable for both retail and foodservice, with applications across multiple categories.

RESULTS

Introduced SuperGrain^+® Sourdough Baker’s Blend and provide ongoing innovation support for customers.

A WORD FROM OUR PARTNER

“ReGrained and Puratos technologies make a perfect pair. The combination of Puratos’ sourdoughs and enzymes with ReGrained’s SuperGrain^+® flour make delicious and healthy products both in Patisserie and Bakery.”
– Fred Danser, Puratos Group

Strategic Development & Commercialization Support

Collaborated to launch a purpose-driven snack line with upcycled ingredients, providing expert guidance and support that led to placement in a prominent national retailer and natural channel accounts.

CHALLENGE

Act Bar wanted to launch purpose-driven snack bar line with upcycled ingredients as the hero.

SOLUTION

UP, Inc. collaborated closely with Act Bar leadership from concept to commercialization, developing three flavors—Cashew Coconut, Peanut Butter Cacao Nib, and Pecan S’mores—and providing go-to-market support to ensure a seamless launch.

RESULTS

Placement in prominent national retailer and other targeted natural channel accounts

A WORD FROM OUR PARTNER

“Working with Upcycled Foods, Inc. has been transformational. Not only did they provide access to their ingredients, but they offered expertise, guidance that has strengthened our entire approach to innovation.”
– Amelia Allen, Founder

Unlocking Waste Stream Valorization Opportunities

Provided end-to-end resources to develop scalable upcycled ingredient platform.

CHALLENGE

Global food company produces massive byproduct waste from wheat milling that negatively affects its sustainability efforts.

SOLUTION

UP, Inc. analyzed wheat sidestreams, identifying key opportunities for commercial valorization. Through a strategic review, we prioritized the most viable upcycled ingredient opportunities and evaluated their market potential.

RESULTS

We identified tens of millions of dollars in untapped revenue, with significant environmental benefits, by transforming wheat bran into valuable upcycled ingredients.

Let’s meet UP and tailor something just for you: hi@upcycledfoods.com

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Our expert team has developed technologies, processes, ingredients and products, for a wide range of food and beverage makers that demonstrate industry leadership and drive revenue. Together, we launch items that simultaneously deliver on taste, health and sustainability for consumers.