Mars and Unreasonable Group Selected 2026 Food Cohort
The growth-stage accelerator has chosen 13 startups to advance global food innovation and sustainability.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Healthy Food
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Mars and the Unreasonable Group have announced the selection of 13 startups for their 2026 Unreasonable Food cohort. The program aims to foster progress in areas like nutrition, food safety, and supply chain resilience.
Why it matters
This accelerator connects growth-stage companies with Mars teams and expert mentors to scale solutions for critical food industry challenges. It provides startups with access to a broader network of investors and industry participants.
The cohort features fermentation-focused firms including NXW Nutrition from Water, Revyve, and Superbrewed Food, alongside fiber-spinning specialists Lasso Labs. Revyve previously secured nearly €24 million in Series B funding during September 2025.
The players
Mars
Mars is a global manufacturer of confectionery, food, and pet care products that operates the Unreasonable Food accelerator.
Unreasonable Group
Unreasonable Group is a Colorado-based organization that designs and runs growth-stage accelerators for impact-focused startups.
Superbrewed Food
Superbrewed Food is a Delaware-based company specializing in postbiotic ingredient development for the food industry.
Revyve
Revyve is a fermentation-focused food technology company that produces functional ingredients and operates facilities in the Netherlands.
NXW Nutrition from Water
NXW Nutrition from Water is a fermentation company with operations spanning Portugal and New Zealand.
The details
Selected ventures receive direct support from Mars, including access to internal teams, mentors, and capital investment. These startups originate from diverse regions, including the US, UK, Netherlands, France, Portugal, and India.
Timeline
The Unreasonable Food program launched in 2024.
Revyve raised nearly €24 million in Series B funding in September 2025.
Superbrewed Food launched the postbiotic product Thryvia in August 2026.
Mars and Unreasonable Group selected the 13-company 2026 cohort.
Culture Shift
This accelerator program reflects the broader industry move toward sustainable, technology-driven ingredient innovation as startups seek to address global supply chain vulnerabilities. The collaboration highlights a growing trend of major food corporations partnering with boutique ventures to modernize production methods.
Readers may see new, fermentation-based ingredients and postbiotic products hitting grocery shelves as these startups scale their operations. These innovations aim to provide more nutritious and sustainable food options to the average household.
The takeaway
The partnership between large food corporations and specialized startups represents a significant effort to overhaul traditional production systems. Consumers can expect to see more science-backed ingredients integrated into common food products over the next several years.
Further reading
For more on the latest trends in global food innovation, visit the Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by vegconomist - the vegan business magazine.
Live Poll
Do you believe major food companies effectively support smaller startups in creating sustainable food products?
