The Mediterranean Food Lab

Mediterranean Food Lab (MFL) is a food-tech company transforming plant-based ingredients into rich, savory flavors using solid-state fermentation. Founded by chefs MFL was born from the desire to replicate the depth of meat-based dishes without using any animal products.

Their proprietary fermentation process converts grains, legumes, and upcycled food waste into complex flavor compounds like peptides, amino acids, and fatty acids. This method enables MFL to create clean-label, additive-free ingredients that deliver umami and depth traditionally associated with meat.

MFL's flagship product line, SHO, offers 100% natural, fermented stocks designed for chefs seeking sustainable, high-quality alternatives to conventional stocks. These products are gaining traction in European professional kitchens for their versatility and flavor complexity.

Although MFL's products are used in both animal-derived and vegan products, making chef's lives more conventient, they enable plant-based products to taste better and accelerating the shift toward sustainable proteins. Reducing animal-based food consumption improves animal welfare, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and decreases land use and nitrogen application. By using upcycled side streams as inputs, MFL also helps reduce food loss—further minimizing the need for agricultural expansion and its environmental impact.