Five commissioned research papers. 54 modelled scenarios. Carbon and nutrition science that changes the conversation.
Traditional carbon footprint comparisons measure emissions per kilogram of food. But a kilogram of beef and a kilogram of soy don't deliver the same nutrition. When you measure carbon per unit of actual nutrition delivered — accounting for protein quality, vitamins, minerals, and how well the body absorbs them — the picture changes dramatically.
Mīti's Nutritional LCA measures nutrient density across the board — protein quality (DIAAS), essential vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc, iron, and iodine, plus bioavailability — all weighed against carbon emissions. This is the comparison that food policy should be making.
Mīti vs a leading soy-based competitor, measured across 20 nutrients using the QI Qualifying Index standard. Here's what stands out for each life stage.
The nutrients most critical during pregnancy — iodine for thyroid development, B12 for the nervous system, selenium for immune protection — are the ones where Mīti's advantage is largest. On a carbon-per-nutrient basis, Mīti delivers a lower carbon footprint than soy for this group. The first animal-sourced food shown to do so.
For recovery, energy, and muscle protein synthesis, the nutrients that matter are protein quality, zinc, and the B-vitamin complex. Mīti scores "high quality" on the FAO's DIAAS protein standard. The soy competitor scores "no claim". The B-vitamin advantages are five- to sixfold.
Growing bodies need broad micronutrient coverage, not just protein. Per 100g, Mīti exceeds 100% of the recommended daily intake for six key nutrients — a breadth that matters for development, immunity, and energy in young children.
All comparisons per 100g using the QI Qualifying Index standard (3.14.3) across 20 nutrients and 6 demographic groups. Research: AgResearch RE450/2025/038.
Mīti's protein quality is measured using the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) — the FAO's gold-standard method for evaluating protein quality.
Rated "high quality" by FAO standards. A leading soy-based competitor scored 0.64 — rated "no claim". The difference matters for muscle recovery, growth, and daily nutrition.
Lysine is the amino acid most commonly deficient in plant-based diets. Mīti scores 1.20 vs 0.79 for soy — exceeding requirements rather than falling short.
Compared to a soy-based competitor, Mīti delivers dramatically more B12, plus 125% more Zinc and 1100% more Iodine per 100g.
Mīti's amino acids are absorbed directly in the small intestine — immediately available for muscle protein synthesis. This is fundamentally different from plant proteins, which require fermentation in the large intestine and deliver lower bioavailable amino acids.
This matters for athletes in recovery, active people on the move, and older adults maintaining muscle mass. The protein you eat is only as good as the protein your body can use.
Amino acids immediately available for muscle protein synthesis
Digestion produces peptides with antihypertensive and ACE-inhibiting properties
Young dairy beef animals (10–18 months) carry significantly lower carbon than the New Zealand industry average for conventional beef (30+ months). This isn't a modelling exercise — it's a verified life cycle assessment across 54 scenarios.
The carbon advantage comes from the animal's age at processing, not from offsets or credits. Younger animals means less methane, less feed, less land use — and a dramatically lower footprint per kilogram of protein.
Research: Dairy beef Life Cycle Assessment, AgResearch RE450/2024/054
vs NZ beef industry average
Comprehensive LCA analysis
Existing resource, new value
vs 30+ months conventional
All research commissioned through AgResearch (now Bioeconomy Science Institute). Core reference: AgResearch RE450/2024/054.
Carbon footprint analysis across 54 scenarios for young dairy beef production systems in New Zealand.
Product-specific carbon footprint verification for Mīti Beef Bites from farm to consumer.
Comparative life cycle assessment measuring carbon per unit of digestible protein — DIAAS-weighted analysis.
Protein bioavailability and amino acid digestibility analysis using the DIAAS framework.
Identification of bioactive peptides with ACE-inhibiting and antihypertensive properties produced during digestion.
Nutritional comparison uses the QI Qualifying Index standard (3.14.3). Science commissioned through AgResearch (now Bioeconomy Science Institute).