While the majority of Americans continue to enjoy meat, an increasing number also are willing to embrace protein options made with just plants. At the same time, the plant-based food segment has faced slowing sales, and new ingredient options providing different textures and flavors similar to meat could help jumpstart sales.
DSM’s Vertis ingredient portfolio will provide a high-quality, sustainably produced ingredient for plant-based foods that will draw in meat lovers, according to a statement from Samah Garringer, the business unit director for its proteins of the future division. Food Grade Without Additives Pea Fiber
“By providing a complete source of protein that is free from all major allergens, brands can appeal to the modern flexitarian consumer who wants to include a diverse range of proteins in their diet — without compromising on nutritional value,” Garringer said.
DSM’s investment in plant-based innovation follows its $21 billion merger with Swiss ingredients giant Firmenich announced in June.
The newly merged company specified that the focus of its ingredients arm will be on the development of clean-label foods, plant-based ingredients and options that boost the nutritional profile of foods through vitamins and probiotics. The canola-based ingredients further build on that strategy.
Canola, known as rapeseed in many parts of the world, has grown in prominence as a meat substitute ingredient. Plant-based food formulators have embraced it because of its solubility, which they view as having an improved mouthfeel and being more digestible than other alternatives.
Last year, Cargill invested $350 million to construct a canola processing facility in Saskatchewan, Canada. And in 2021, Merit Functional Foods opened its own canola manufacturing plant in Winnipeg, Manitoba to produce its Puratein ingredient.
But accessing the crop became more difficult this year. Canola prices reached an all-time high in early 2022 because of supply chain issues and weather woes.
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
A five-part series examining the challenges food tech companies face when scaling up.
The justices asked lawyers representing the pork industry and the state about the impact Proposition 12 will have on small producers and interstate commerce.
Subscribe to Food Dive for top news, trends & analysis
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
A five-part series examining the challenges food tech companies face when scaling up.
The justices asked lawyers representing the pork industry and the state about the impact Proposition 12 will have on small producers and interstate commerce.
Mung Bean Protein Powder For Fitness The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines