De Hobbit represents innovative, natural and vegan meat replacements. For example, we work with alternative protein sources, like lupine and hemp, and we continue to focus on innovative product development. Further, we also conduct research with knowledge institutes.

Today, we focus on our groundbreaking research with Wageningen University on B12 in tempeh!

Vegetarians and vegans are often told that their diet causes a deficiency in vitamin B12, which can supposedly only be found in animal products. Together with Wageningen University, De Hobbit is now conducting a study regarding vitamin B12 fortification in a plant-based product, tempeh, without having to add this vitamin artificially.  The method used is a natural co-fermentation process.

In short, tempeh is made of fermented soy beans, lupine beans, etc. The lab tests of this study show that, by using a mixed culture (co-fermentation) of the fungus used to make tempeh, and a specific bacterium, B12 development in the tempeh is fortified. 

 The test fase in the lab has been concluded successfully, and further tests will now be conducted in our production plant in Maldegem, Belgium. 

Stay tuned!