Planteneers has launched compounds designed to enable manufacturers to create foods, such as pizza, with purely plant-based ingredients, addressing the rising demand for plant-based convenience foods.
The functional systems in the fiildMeat S range, for example, can be used for plant-based sausage products of all kinds, including vegan pepperoni and ham. The system is made without soy and uses fava beans and peas as protein sources. The products are easily sliceable and the edges stay appetisingly fresh without burning, the company claims.
Market research company Euromonitor International predicts global pizza market revenue growth of almost 11% this year, to $132.3bn. For Eastern Europe the projected growth rate is 16%. The growing demand in this category also brings high potential for plant-based versions.
The pea-based fiildTex D range helps manufacturers produce a plant-based tuna substitute, while the fiildDairy CHG system can be used to make plant-based alternatives to grated cheese. These are relatively easy to produce and don’t stick during grating, Planteneers claims. The cheese alternatives can be made in popular varieties like mozzarella and cheddar.
Pizza is just one example in the deep frozen category. Lasagne is another big favourite. Here again, the company offers ingredients for purely plant-based products, from functional systems for plant-based bechamel sauce that is heating and heat-thaw stable, to plant-based cheese alternatives, to ground meat alternatives for the filling. With appropriate texturates, industry partners can use these systems to make all the most popular ground meat products, from lasagna and bolognese sauce to burger patties. Additionally, using sunflower and fava bean protein, the final products can be made soy- and gluten-free.