BioMush, formerly known as the Nordic Umami Company, is a Finnish food technology startup that has redefined the production of umami—the savory “fifth taste”—through sustainable fermentation. Founded in 2021 in Espoo, Finland, by Outi Mäkinen and Reetta Andolin (Kivelä), the company began by creating ready-to-use umami sauces. Recognizing the broader potential of their technology, they shifted focus to developing all-natural umami flavoring solutions for the food industry.

The journey began when one of the founders, deeply rooted in food science and plant-based technologies, identified a crucial gap in the flavoring of plant-based foods. Driven by the desire to enhance umami flavors without relying on additives or animal-based ingredients, she started experimenting with fermentation techniques in her dad’s garage. These early prototypes laid the groundwork for what would become BioMush’s proprietary fermentation technology.

Initially launched as Nordic Umami Company, the startup focused on ready-to-use umami sauces. However, as the team realized the far-reaching potential of their technology, the company pivoted toward a B2B model, offering sustainable flavoring solutions for the food industry. This shift not only aligned with the increasing demand for natural, clean-label ingredients but also expanded BioMush’s potential impact across various sectors.

At the heart of BioMush’s operations lies solid-state fermentation, a method particularly well-suited to valorising challenging food industry side streams. This process uses minimal water and energy, making it more sustainable and efficient. The fungi employed in the fermentation break down complex substrates, releasing natural umami compounds that enhance taste while improving nutritional profiles.

Now celebrating its fourth year, BioMush has cemented its position as a trailblazer in circular food systems. Their fermentation units can be installed directly in food production facilities, offering manufacturers a solution for turning waste into value-added ingredients on-site.