Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising biomass of a thermophilic fungus for use as an ingredient in food products, beverages, pet foods or animal feed. Due to its nutritional composition the biomass of the thermophilic fungus can be used as a source of protein and/or amino acids, including essential amino acids; lipids, including oleic and linoleic acids; dietary fiber; choline and vitamins such as vitamin E; and minerals such as iron. The biomass of the thermophilic fungus is available as a compressed biomass cake or as a dried powder. As such the biomass of the thermophilic fungus is suitable as ingredient in meat replacers, and in hybrid meat products. In the form of dried powder the biomass of the thermophilic fungus can be easily mixed with other ingredients to produce bakery products such as bread or soups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for pasteurising a biomass, for example a fungal biomass, wherein the biomass is pasteurised using specific time and temperature parameters to obtain pasteurised biomass. The pasteurised biomass is suitable for use as a source of single-cell proteins in food products. The invention also relates to the pasteurised product, and to food products comprising it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a stable composition of single-cell protein by using antioxidants. The single-cell protein can be derived from a fungal biomass, wherein the biomass is pasteurised after antioxidants have been added to it. The stable composition has low TOTOX values and is suitable for use as a source of single-cell proteins in food or feed products. The invention also relates to the pasteurised product, and to food products comprising it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a defoaming agent for preventing pellet morphology of thermophilic fungi when grown at acidic pH in chemically defined media. The invention pertains to processes for producing a fermentation product, wherein the thermophilic fungus, e.g. a Rhizomucor species, is grown in submerged culture at acidic pH in a chemically defined medium and wherein the strain is cultured in the presence of a defoaming agent. The defoaming agent can be a vegetable oil such as olive or sun flower oil and the fermentation product can be single cell protein in the form of biomass of the thermophilic fungus for use as a dietary source of protein.