Non-Animal Whey Protein: Myths vs. Facts
Real progress requires transparency and honesty. Let’s talk about some common misconceptions about Perfect Day.
Myth
We use brand new and largely untested technology.
Fact
Precision fermentation technology has existed for well over 50 years, and has been used to make pharmaceuticals like insulin, wellness products like vitamins, and exists in so much of the food we already eat.
Citric acid and vanillin, found in many of the goods in your pantry, are made through exactly the same technique. We’re finally able to use the same approach to redesign milk because we’ve figured out how to scale this technology.
Myth
Cows must have been used to extract the DNA blueprint that Perfect Day microflora have.
Fact
Getting the DNA sequence required no animal involvement at all— all you need is a fallen hair or harmless cheek swab. For us it was easier: the DNA sequence is on the internet.
Myth
If you’re lactose intolerant, you can’t enjoy products made with Perfect Day’s protein.
Fact
While used to make products identical to those using traditional milk, Perfect Day’s protein is animal-free and completely lactose-free.
Myth
Perfect Day is not vegan.
Fact
We hear from vegans every day who are excited about our products, and some who don’t think this is for them. If you define veganism as eliminating the consumption of animal products, Perfect Day fits the bill.
Myth
Perfect Day is dairy-free or non-dairy.
Fact
Our animal-free milk protein is identical to what cows make, which means it can froth, whip, and foam just like milk – but can also trigger a milk allergy (that’s why products made with our protein are labeled ‘Contains milk protein’). The good news is that it’s lactose-free and made without animals.
Myth
Perfect Day is “lab-grown” and makes “frankenfood”.
Fact
Our facilities look much like a brewery! We make our animal-free milk protein in fermentation tanks, much like how modern-day beer and even some wine is produced.
Myth
Perfect Day products are GMO.
Fact
We believe transparency is crucial to the work we do, especially because we’re helping to chart a new landscape in food. Similar to making vitamins, probiotics, and medicines, genetic engineering is part of our process but no GMO is present in our product. While we work with genetically engineered microflora to produce our milk protein, the milk protein they make is not genetically modified. The modified flora is filtered out after production, leaving only pure milk protein that’s identical to what comes from cows.
