2024.07.10|

Product Launch: Collaboration Between ORYZAE and Euglena Co., Ltd.

ORYZAE and Euglena Co., Ltd. Collaborate to Launch "ORYZAE GRANOLA Euglena" on July 10th

A Delicious Choice for a Healthier World, Created from the Micro World

Introduction

ORYZAE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo, President: Yasuhide Koizumi) and Euglena Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Mitsuru Izumo) have collaborated to create a new, sugar-free granola using ORYZAE's rice koji-based sweetener and Euglena's nutrient-rich superfood, "Ishigaki Island Euglena." The new product, "ORYZAE GRANOLA Euglena," will be available for sale starting July 10, 2024.

Background of the Collaboration

ORYZAE operates with a business philosophy called "5win," aiming to address societal challenges through the production and sale of ORYZAE Sweetener (rice koji fermented sugar). The company has collaborated with various businesses and brands to offer convenient and delicious sustainable choices.

Euglena Co., Ltd., a bio-venture, focuses on research and development of new materials, including microalgae. The company’s philosophy, "Sustainability First," drives their business initiatives aimed at solving social issues and promoting sustainability for both people and the planet.

This collaboration emerged from a shared vision of creating a sustainable society. Both companies recognized the potential of microorganisms like koji mold and microalgae in contributing to human and environmental health, leading to the creation of this unique granola.

Product Details

"ORYZAE GRANOLA" is a sugar-free granola made using ORYZAE Sweetener, which leverages the natural sweetness of rice through fermentation. The granola consists of four main ingredients: oats, rice koji, rice, and rice oil, all of which are additive-free. Compared to regular rice, it has approximately 28% fewer calories, 81% less sugar, and over 3.5 times more dietary fiber. ORYZAE Sweetener, made from rice starch fermented by rice koji, contains 60 times more minerals than sugar and over 350 nutrients derived from koji. This sustainable sweetener helps reduce food waste by upcycling surplus and damaged rice and prevents deforestation caused by sugar production.Since its launch, "ORYZAE GRANOLA" has been well received, reaching a milestone of 1 million servings by November 2023.

The newly launched "ORYZAE GRANOLA Euglena" incorporates "Ishigaki Island Euglena," a superfood rich in 59 essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc.) needed by the human body. This addition enhances the nutritional profile of the granola, making it a guilt-free, nutritious option for daily consumption. The granola is mixed with Euglena powder and baked to perfection, offering a naturally sweet flavor that can be enjoyed daily. It provides a convenient way to incorporate koji and algae into daily diets, supporting a healthy lifestyle.

Product Information

  • Product Name: ORYZAE GRANOLA Euglena
  • Weight: 200 grams
  • Ingredients: Oats (from Finland and Australia), rice koji, rice, rice oil, Euglena gracilis
  • Nutritional Information (per serving):
    • Calories: 190.6 kcal
    • Protein: 5.7 g
    • Fat: 8.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 26.9 g
    • Sodium: 0.0 g
  • Price: 1,080 JPY (including tax)
  • Sales Locations:
  • Release Date: July 10, 2024

Commitment to Ingredients

  • Ishigaki Island Euglena: Euglena is a unique microalga with both plant and animal characteristics. Cultivated in the rich natural environment of Ishigaki Island, it contains 59 essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, DHA, oleic acid, and the rare compound paramylon. Euglena is also recognized for being cultivated using sustainable methods, having received the world’s first ASC-MSC Seaweed (Algae) Certification in January 2019, contributing to SDG Goal 14.
  • ORYZAE Sweetener (Rice Koji Fermented Sugar): ORYZAE Sweetener is a sugar substitute made from rice koji. Its gentle sweetness, derived from fermentation, allows for guilt-free enjoyment of sweet flavors. This sweetener is widely used in ORYZAE's "Food Cosmetic ORYZAE" brand and in products such as school meals and confectionery. By upcycling surplus and off-grade rice, it represents a sustainable sweetening solution.

This collaboration between ORYZAE and Euglena Co., Ltd. represents a significant step towards promoting sustainable, health-conscious food choices, harnessing the power of traditional fermentation and cutting-edge biotechnology.