Quick Overview:

  • Ingredient giant ADM partners with startup Every to scale up production of the latter's animal-free egg white protein using precision fermentation.
  • ADM will begin commercial production of Every's bio-based protein ingredient OvoPro at its plant in Clinton, Iowa.
  • The collaboration aims to provide food companies with innovative options to address surging demand for high-quality protein and challenges in animal-derived ingredient supply.

In-Depth Analysis:

After years of price volatility, many companies are seeking new alternatives to replace eggs in formulations. However, most substitutes struggle to fully replicate the functionality and health benefits of eggs.

OvoPro's ingredient aims to bridge the gap between formulation functionality and protein content. It provides key binding, gelling, foaming, and whipping functions, while achieving a Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1.0—the highest quality rating.

Over the past few years, egg prices have seen significant fluctuations due to recurring avian flu outbreaks. Although prices have fallen considerably from the historic highs of 2025, ingredient suppliers are still actively offering alternatives to help companies secure stable supply at lower costs.

"Traditional protein sources like eggs have always been a vital part of the global diet, but it's also clear that meeting the world's growing protein demand requires adding innovative ingredient options to expand the supply of high-quality protein," said Kris Lutt, Vice President of Innovation and Growth at ADM, in a statement.

Other ingredient companies offering egg alternatives include Ardent Mills, whose Egg Replace product reduces reliance on eggs in baking. However, OvoPro claims to be the first egg alternative produced through precision fermentation.

Beyond serving as an alternative to traditional eggs, OvoPro also offers food companies another option to whey protein—which has also seen prices surge due to strong demand for protein fortification.

As demand for OvoPro accelerates, Every is actively expanding. The company previously stated that order volume in the first four months of this year was 550% of the total for all of 2025. Recently, Every also announced a major capacity expansion with partner Huvepharma, planning to quadruple production capacity.

ADM will leverage its precision fermentation capabilities to scale up OvoPro production. The ingredient is vegan and cholesterol-free, with applications ranging from frozen foods, sweet baked goods, pasta, beverages, and more.

"Through this agreement with EVERY, we are strengthening the global protein supply chain while demonstrating how ADM's industry-leading precision fermentation capabilities can complement existing production, expand supply, and help customers innovate," Lutt said.