A new Innova Trends Survey has reported that three out of five consumers worldwide say they are boosting the amount of protein in their food.
Protein is considered the foundation of all-around well-being.
Thus, Innova Market Insights calls "Powerhouse Protein" a top trend for this year, with protein-rich products booming.
The plant-based ingredient supplier Planteneers has said that it is capitalising on this trend by combining high-protein and plant-based, with three new all-plant-based concepts focusing on high-demand categories such as indulgent protein-rich snacks and meal-replacement drinks.
Meal replacements: protein-rich and all-plant-based
The plant-based high protein drink from the fiildDairy NEB series combines a six per cent protein content with plant-based fibre from inulin.
The functional system, composed of hydrocolloids and emulsifiers, along with select proteins from the fiildProt series, forms the foundation for high-protein plant-based beverages.
These proteins, derived from fava beans and peas, contribute significantly to protein content and can be effectively highlighted in on-package marketing.
The beverages come in a variety of flavours, including vanilla, strawberry and pistachio. Additionally, they contain no added sugar and are naturally lactose-free—depending on the recipe, these drinks can contain as little as one gram of saturated fat per 100 ml.
The company says that there is also another benefit for manufacturers. In combination with the appropriate micronutrient premix from Planteneers' sister company, SternVitamin, this high-protein drink is ideal as a basis for a meal replacement beverage.
The Planteneers system already contains all macronutrients in a balanced ratio, so that 500 ml of the final product provides 20 per cent of the daily recommended amounts per EU guidelines.
On top of that, the SternVit premix delivers all the vitamins and minerals necessary to cover 25 per cent of the recommended daily intake of micronutrients. Thus, the same base can be used for two different product lines, both of which can be stored indefinitely without refrigeration.
Plant-based pudding: carrageenan-free, flexible protein content
The functional system for plant-based pudding alternatives also offers two assortments: a classic plant-based pudding made with oats, coconut, or soy and a high-protein version with 10 per cent protein content.
Planteneers offers carrageenan-free versions if desired. The final products have a creamy texture and a "delicious, authentic taste."
This lets manufacturers address another current top trend from Innova Market Insights – Layers of Delight. Here, the focus is on the many facets of indulgence.
Products in this category deliver wellbeing moments, positive mood, rich sensory delight and the basis for healthier indulgence.
According to market research, products that meet these demands saw 26 per cent growth last year. Planteneers states that, using its systems, manufacturers can expand this growth to the plant-based market as well.