Five innovative companies have been selected for the Healthy Snacks Challenge 2027, where AAK will contribute its expertise in oils, fats, coatings, fillings, and mouthfeel to help turn promising ideas into appealing, commercially viable snack concepts.
The five selected companies from across Asia-Pacific will now take part in concept validation and technical discussions before joining Snacks Hack Week in Singapore on January 18–22, 2027. During the week, they will work hands-on with AAK and other industry experts to develop, test, and refine their concepts.
For AAK, the initiative provides an opportunity to apply its ingredient and application expertise to emerging snack concepts targeting changing consumer expectations around nutrition, taste, texture, and sustainability. AAK will contribute expertise in areas including fats and oils, coatings, fillings, plant-based fat systems, and mouthfeel solutions.
“The most promising snack innovations combine a clear consumer benefit with strong technical performance. By working side by side with the selected companies and our program partners, we hope to help accelerate concepts that deliver better nutrition, enjoyable eating experiences, and real potential for further development,” says Nikesh Hindocha, General Manager, SEA & NEA, AAK.
Five companies selected
The companies selected for the 2027 challenge represent different approaches to healthier snacking and food innovation:
- Anomaly Bio, Singapore, develops functional bio-based ingredients using advanced fermentation and microbial engineering.
- Agro Ludens Incorporated, Japan, develops Comeat®, a rice- and koji-derived mycoprotein offering high protein content, low fat, and a meat-like texture.
- Coa & Co, Singapore, uses solid-state fermentation to develop ingredient systems and protein-rich chocolate clusters.
- Protoga, China, produces microalgae-based ingredients, including chlorella protein as a plant-based complete protein.
- ROA Midnight Pte Ltd, Singapore, develops plant-based chocolate cakes and desserts formulated without ingredients including eggs, dairy, soy, nuts, or gluten.
From ideas to prototypes
During Snacks Hack Week, participants will move from concept development into practical formulation, testing, sensory review, and prototype refinement. The week will conclude with a Finalists Demo Day on January 22, when three companies will be selected for further development support.
The Healthy Snacks Challenge is a collaborative initiative bringing together complementary expertise across ingredients, taste, texture, processing, and product development.
For AAK, the collaboration reflects its approach to innovation: combining application and ingredient expertise with close collaboration to help turn emerging ideas into products that deliver against consumer needs.