Mane has entered a strategic partnership with Seattle-based protein designer Arzeda to accelerate commercialization of high-performance, natural sweetening solutions, zeroing in on one of the industry’s toughest challenges: reducing sugar without sacrificing taste or cost.
At the heart of the collaboration is Arzeda’s ViaLeaf Reb M technology, a direct-from-leaf stevia extraction process powered by AI-designed enzymes. The approach dramatically improves production efficiency for Reb M—widely regarded as the most sugar-like steviol glycoside—while eliminating the bitterness historically associated with stevia.
By reshaping the cost structure of Reb M through bioconversion of natural stevia leaf extract, the partnership unlocks a more scalable, clean-label sweetener with strong sensory performance, positioning it for broader adoption across food and beverage.
The deal pairs Arzeda’s Intelligent Protein Design Technology with Mane's global manufacturing footprint and deep expertise in taste modulation. The result: an integrated platform for sugar reduction that combines optimized E960 sweeteners with flavor modulation systems, including Mane's Sense Capture technologies, to enhance sweetness perception and mask off-notes.
The companies are targeting reduced-sugar beverages as a key application, where regulatory pressure, sugar taxes, and consumer demand for better-for-you products continue to intensify.
Mane debuted beverage concepts featuring ViaLeaf Reb M at Natural Products Expo West, signaling near-term commercialization.
Executives from both companies emphasized the complementary nature of the collaboration, combining cutting-edge biotechnology with applied flavor expertise to deliver cost-effective, next-generation sweetening systems—at a time when reformulation demands are only accelerating.
