Ulrick & Short have developed a plant-based protein for cold-processed plant-based applications that provides a complementary amino-acid profile with pea protein. Complex 25 follows the launch of Complex 24 earlier this year, which is designed for hot process applications like plant-based meat substitutes.
In 2020 in the UK, the plant-based/vegan sector experienced its most active year; for instance, almost a quarter of all product launches in the sports nutrition sector carried a ‘vegan’ or ‘plant based’ claim.1 Even for traditional sectors like dairy, 23% of product launches had a ‘vegan/plant based’ positioning.2
The plant-based protein is designed to combine the health benefit of a plant-based diet, such as lower saturated fats, with the additional benefits of high protein levels, and a full amino acid profile which is traditionally obtained by meat consumption or supplementation.
The product is suitable for cold process plant-based products, from plant-based dairy beverages & yoghurts to sports nutrition products like protein bars. It also has a neutral flavour profile, with minimal impact on the taste of finished products. It’s clean-label, non-GMO, allergen-free, and has a high protein content – enabling manufacturers to make “high in/source of protein” claims.
Ulrick & Short Development Technologist, Emma Walker, said: “Generally, consumers are aware of the idea that plant-based products have significant health benefits. However, it is true that all essential amino acids are not typically/easily available from many plant-based products – which in turn is damaging to the healthy perception of the sector.
“Complex 25 effectively bridges this gap. By diversifying the sources of plant proteins within a given application, Complex 25 has the benefit of retaining the well-known health benefits of plant-based products, while concurrently providing full amino-acid profiles traditionally only found in animal-based products – providing a more nutritionally ‘complete’ product.”
References
1) Innova Market Insights – New product database
2) Innova Market Insights – New product database