The food technology company Oobli has announced a new partnership with the National Football League Alumni Association, just before the kickoff of the 2026 pro football season this week.
Oobli manufactures sweet proteins derived from rare fruits using a precision fermentation process, creating a "sugar-like alternative" that digests as a protein — but still tastes like sugar.
The ingredient can replace up to 90% of sugar in food and beverages, without altering taste or causing an aftertaste.
The firm says its yeast fermentation process produces the protein sustainably, without the need for large-scale farming
Millions of American families are navigating challenges such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic disease.
Oobli says these consumers are looking for new ways to enjoy the foods they love while still taking care of themselves and sweet proteins offer a promising new tool: delivering the same great sweet taste people love, but as protein instead of carbs.
The partnership centres on a new consumer-facing platform, Oobli Inside, that can identify food and beverages made with Oobli's sweet proteins.
Oobli said in its statement that food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and consumer brands that incorporate Oobli Inside would give consumers an easy, trusted way to know that a product can help them reduce sugar and still be delicious.
The pair will also deliver a series of national education initiatives, including at youth football camps, community events, Hall of Fame activities and NFL Alumni Association Super Week leading up to the 2027 Big Game in Los Angeles.
"The National Football League Alumni Association is committed to helping people live healthier, more active lives," said Brad Edwards, CEO of the NFL Alumni Association.
Oobli represents exactly the kind of innovation partner we want to introduce to our players, families and fans. The Oobli Inside initiative will give families another great way to enjoy the foods they already love while looking out for their health.
Edwards said that he believed the partnership could "make a meaningful difference in the health of millions of Americans."
"At Oobli, we believe people shouldn't have to choose between health and taste," added Ali Wing, CEO of Oobli.
"Partnering with the National Football League Alumni Association lets us introduce Americans to the health benefits of sweet proteins through a trusted voice they know and respect."
Oobli Inside will make it easier for consumers to recognise products made with our breakthrough ingredient and make healthier everyday choices for them and their families.
Oobli also partnered with Ingredion back in February last year to scale and commercialise next-generation, plant-identical sweet proteins for food and beverage sugar reduction.
The partnership integrated Oobli's sweet proteins (such as brazzein and monellin) into Ingredion's natural sweetener portfolio, including stevia.
This also coincided with Oobli closing an $18m Series B1 funding round, which included participation from Ingredion Ventures.
