A Nutrition from Water, a Portuguese company that develops complete proteins from microalgae cultivated in fermentation tanks, was selected to join the 2026 edition of Unreasonable Food, an international program promoted by Mars and the Unreasonable Group that supports companies with innovative solutions for food systems, according to a press release.
According to the same source, the technology developed by Nutrition from Water seeks to address the global dairy protein deficit through the cultivation of microalgae. According to the company, the process enables obtaining complete protein at a cost up to three times lower than conventional alternatives. The initiative aims to support growing businesses that contribute to improving sustainability, resilience and access to nutritious foods.
The Portuguese company joins a group of 13 selected for this year’s edition, covering areas such as alternative proteins, ingredient innovation, nutrition, food safety, circularity and supply-chain resilience. The participants gathered in Windham, in the state of New York, between September 12 and 18, and became part of a network that links the companies with Mars teams, mentors and international investors.
“At Mars, our ambition is to create better snacks and contribute to a healthier planet. To achieve this, it is necessary to innovate across the entire food system, from soil to snack,” says Amanda Davies, head of research and development, commercial, and sustainability at Mars Snacking.
The executive adds that the selected companies present “bold ideas with growth potential” that could contribute to advances in nutrition, ingredient innovation, food safety, circularity and supply-chain resilience.
Federico Duarte, CEO of Nutrition from Water, considers that the collaboration represents an opportunity to broaden the reach of the company’s technology. “It is with great satisfaction that we are working with Mars Snacking and Unreasonable Food to leverage Nutrition from Water’s technology and facilitate access to complete proteins,” he says.
The executive also argues that the food industry needs companies willing to invest in new technological solutions and considers that the selection represents recognition of Portugal’s innovation ecosystem, highlighting the potential of collaboration between capital, science and industry to develop projects with global impact.
According to data released by Mars and the Unreasonable Group, the first edition of the program helped generate about $200 million in additional revenues for participating companies, avoided 140,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, and conserved 310 million liters of water. The organization also notes that more than 24 million people gained access to safe and nutritious food.
