According to Innova Market Insights, almost a quarter of all product launches in the sports nutrition sector carried a vegan or plant-based claim: even in traditional sectors like dairy, 23% of product launches had a ‘vegan/plant based’ positioning.
Following this growth, Ulrick & Short has developed a new plant-based protein for cold-processed plant-based applications that provides an amino-acid profile with pea protein.
The product, complex 25, follows the launch of complex 24 earlier this year, which also helps to provide complete amino acid profiles, but in hot process applications like plant-based meat substitutes.
complex 25, is a functional and plant-based protein that, when used in conjunction with pea protein, provides a complete amino acid profile in a range of plant-based cold process applications. In doing so, complex 25 combines the health benefits of plant-based diets - such as lower saturated fats, with the additional benefits of high protein levels, and a full amino acid profile traditionally obtained by meat consumption or supplementation.
complex 25 is suitable for a range of cold process plant-based products, from plant-based dairy beverages and yogurt alternatives to sports nutrition products like protein bars. Additionally, the ingredient has a neutral flavor profile, translating to minimal impact on the taste of finished products. It is also clean-label, non-GMO, allergen-free, and has a high-protein content – enabling manufacturers to make front of pack 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.”