Startups @ HSWT | Part 26: YLDLIFE - Food Startup Incubator Weihenstephan

In this interview series, HSWT presents startups that are part of the Food Startup Incubator Weihenstephan (FSIWS). are. The series introduces the companies, their product ideas and working methods. The founders receive support from the FSIWS.

Wild nutrition for a wild life: That's the philosophy of YLDLIFE (pronounced "wildlife"). The startup's fresh, nutrient-rich mueslis are natural, science-based and simple. Entrepreneur Laura Schäfer studied international management in her bachelor's degree at the International School of Management of the same name, completed a master's degree in computer science at the University of Pennsylvenia and worked as a consultant for many years before founding her startup.

FSWIS: Laura, what makes your granola varieties special compared to others on the market?

We are the only ones in the European area that produce muesli with fresh oat flakes. Oats are one of the most nutritious grains in the world, can be grown sustainably and are naturally gluten-free. Numerous studies have shown that eating oats can lower cholesterol. Likewise, the content of vitamins, minerals, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber makes oats a valuable addition to a gluten-free diet. In addition to B vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, the protein content of about 13 per 100 grams is also significantly higher than corn, rice or millet. In addition, oats have a satiating effect.

But why freshly flaked and without added sugar?

Oatmeal available in supermarkets, including flakes in cereal mixes, is not fresh. Conventional oatmeal can be stored for up to two years before it reaches its expiration date. Conventional oatmeal production involves heating the grains to extend shelf life. In the process, important nutrients are destroyed - especially heat-sensitive vitamins.

Certain B vitamins, such as thiamine, are particularly sensitive to heat and can lose 50 percent of their content through baking, pasteurization or cooking. This is critical because B vitamins are important for the proper functioning of the body's cells. They help the body convert food into energy and form new blood cells while supporting healthy cells and other body tissues. At YLDLIFE, we are able to preserve many of these important nutrients by flaking oats fresh to avoid nutrient depletion. We also give oats back their "superpowers" by avoiding sugar, as the beta-glucans found in oats help lower blood sugar levels.

How did you come up with the idea to develop your product?

The food industry does not always prioritize the long-term health of its consumers. One look at the supermarket shelf and you quickly notice how much is highly processed and contains unnecessary or even unhealthy additives. We are conditioned to no longer question best-before dates and in some cases no longer know what a food actually tastes like in its natural form. But healthy living shouldn't be complicated and that's why with YLDLIFE we want to give the power back to the consumer with simple products. The conventional muesli can easily be replaced by a YLDLIFE muesli. Because a small change results in a big impact in the long run. We believe that everyone can reach their potential in a sustainable, healthy and simple way.