Rubisco Unleashed: The Leaf-Based Protein That Could Change Everything

In this episode of FoodTech Junkies, host Sharon Cittone sits down with Ross Milne, CEO of Leaft Foods, to explore one of the most under-reported scientific breakthroughs in modern food innovation: the successful commercial extraction of Rubisco, the most abundant and until now, most elusive protein on Earth.Ross shares his journey from designing some of the world’s largest food factories to pioneering a new protein category derived from green leaves, particularly alfalfa. Together, they unpack the science behind Rubisco, how Leaft cracked a century-old challenge, and why leaf-based protein could redefine sustainable nutrition, regenerative agriculture, and climate-aligned food production.The conversation goes deep into the environmental advantages, the integration of farmers into this emerging value chain, and the realities of bringing a novel food technology to market, from partnerships in Japan and pet nutrition to early consumer products. Ross also offers a rare look at where Rubisco fits into the future of food and how “rewriting photosynthesis” might become one of the century’s most powerful food-system tools.A must-listen for anyone interested in food innovation, climate solutions, and the next frontier of protein.Special Offer:Listeners get 40% off their first order at Leaft Foods. Visit their website at https://www.leaftblade.com/ and use the code JUNKIES at checkout.About Ross MilneRoss Milne is the CEO of Leaft Foods, a company on a mission to bring the world's most abundant protein, Rubisco, extracted directly from green leaves, to consumers and food companies across the globe. After leading the development of the breakthrough technology behind Leaft's end-to-end extraction process, Ross is now driving the company's evolution from successful pilot demonstration to true industrial scale, positioning Leaf Rubisco as a high-functioning ingredient for food companies seeking step-change improvements in both functionality and sustainability. Timestamps00:00 Introduction to FoodTech Junkies00:50 Meet Ross Milne: From factory design to food innovation02:00 Rethinking plant-based protein through engineering03:26 What Ross learned inside the global food system10:10 Understanding Rubisco: The “utopia protein.”13:03 The breakthrough science that made extraction possible19:48 How Rubisco reframes plant-based protein23:14 Farmers, alfalfa, and building a new value chain28:34 Rethinking photosynthesis for scalable food solutions28:56 Circularity and environmental impact30:27 Why leaf-based protein is so resource-efficient33:41 One Health: Linking nutrition, climate, and ecosystems35:57 Market traction: Japan, pet food, and early consumer products43:27 Lessons from bringing novel tech to market48:04 What a Rubisco-powered future could look like52:09 Lightning Round: Personal insights and fun moments57:39 Closing thoughts + where to find us This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sharoncittone.substack.com