Functional food, Yarrowia lipolytica postbiotics and oil esterification
A complete knowledge base on the two technologies that set Onesano apart from other contract manufacturers: postbiotic Yarrowia lipolytica yeast (the PostBione™ line, Novel Food) and oil esterification. Written so you can explain the subject to your board and partners.
In brief
Why this is a competitive advantage
Below: what functional food is, how both technologies work, where they apply, and what benefits they bring to the brand owner.
Definition
What is functional food
Key aspects of fortified-food production are the selection of raw materials with proven activity, advanced technologies (extraction, microencapsulation, stabilization of active ingredients), ingredient synergy, and product safety and stability. Examples of ready concepts include coffee with adaptogens, cocoa with shiitake mushrooms, or yogurt with collagen.
Technology 1
Postbiotic Yarrowia lipolytica yeast (PostBione™)
A vegan, fermented ingredient in the Novel Food category. Produced by natural microbial fermentation, it stands out for excellent compatibility with a range of food products.
| Variant | Ingredient | Areas of support |
|---|---|---|
| PostBione™-β | beta-glucan | immunity, gut health, metabolism, skin/hair/nails, weight management |
| PostBione™-Se | organic selenium | thyroid function, immunity, heart health, antioxidant protection |
| PostBione™-Cr | organic chromium | blood-sugar regulation, metabolism, heart health |
Where postbiotics can be used
Compatibility with food means the ingredient isn't limited to capsules — it works well in yogurts, corn snacks, bread, spices, coffee and cocoa, and bread spreads. Technologically, PostBione™-β also serves as a flavor enhancer, soup thickener, protein source, breading component, and an ingredient in sandwich spreads and fillings.
| Product category | Use level |
|---|---|
| Snacks based on potatoes, cereals and starch | up to 30,000 mg / 100 g |
| Herbs and spices | 5,000 mg / 100 g |
| Nut butters and protein products | 3,000 mg / 100 g |
| Coffee, coffee extracts, breakfast cereals | 2,000 mg / 100 g |
| Fermented dairy products and cheeses | 1,000 mg / 100 g |
| Bread and rolls | 600 mg / 100 g |
Levels are indicative — target values are set individually in line with the Novel Food framework and product documentation.
Technology 2
Oil esterification — fatty acid ethyl esters
A modern esterification line converts the fatty acids of vegetable and animal oils into ethyl esters with increased bioavailability and stability.
Bioavailability
Extended release — up to 24 hours.
Stability
Protection against oxidation.
Purity
Removal of raw-material impurities.
Acid quality
100% unsaturated acids in the “cis” configuration.
| Vegetable oils we esterify |
|---|
| linseed, evening primrose, blackcurrant, borage, hemp, grape seed, pumpkin, apricot kernel, algae and others. |
| Animal oils we esterify |
|---|
| cod, anchovy, salmon, krill, shark. |
Applications of ethyl esters
Fatty acid ethyl esters are used in dietary supplements (capsules, liquids, gels, gummies), functional food (pasta, meat products, shakes, shots, juices, desserts, spreadable fats, mayonnaises), and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (creams, balms, oils). ALA and LA acids support proper growth and development in children and the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels, while DHA and EPA support brain, vision and heart function and the regulation of triglyceride levels.
What it means for your brand
An advantage that's hard to copy
An ingredient the competition doesn't have
Yarrowia lipolytica postbiotics and ethyl esters are technologies based on Onesano's own, unique facilities. A product built on them is genuinely innovative and hard for other brands to replicate.
One partner, full scope
Formula, production, regulatory support (including the Novel Food framework) and packaging from a single manufacturer — no fragmented supply chain, and with one quality standard (GMP, HACCP, FSSC 22000, FAMI-QS).
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — functional food and Onesano technologies
What is functional food?
Functional food refers to food products enriched with ingredients that have a proven health-promoting effect beyond basic nutritional value — e.g. immune, gut or metabolic support.
What are Yarrowia lipolytica postbiotics?
They are vegan, fermented functional ingredients from Yarrowia lipolytica yeast, in the Novel Food category (EU 2015/2283). Onesano offers them in the PostBione™ line as a source of beta-glucan, organic selenium and chromium.
What is oil esterification?
Esterification converts the fatty acids of vegetable and animal oils into ethyl esters with increased bioavailability and stability — with extended release for up to 24 hours and protection against oxidation.
Does Onesano manufacture these ingredients to order?
Yes. Onesano owns its own facilities for postbiotics and esterification, unique on a global scale, and uses them in contract manufacturing of supplements and functional food under the client's brand.
Want to build a product on our technology?
Tell us about your idea — we'll select the ingredient and form and handle the regulatory side, including the Novel Food framework.
Enquire about cooperation →