Royal DSM launches next gen ‘free from’ plant protein

Aligned to the growing demand for delicious, nutrition and sustainable plant-based baked goods and snacks, DSM has created Vertis CanolaPRO, a complete, high quality canola protein isolate that is free from all major allergens.

The product is the result of more than 10 years of research and development at DSM to unlock the healthy protein from the canola seed and produce it at scale for the food industry.

Canola seeds – also known as rapeseeds – are one of the world’s few available plant sources of complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids required for good health.

Ticking the consumer box

This ticks a number of boxes, including plant-based, health & wellness and high protein content.

2019 data from Euromonitor found an estimated 30% of global consumers identify as flexitarian, however, many are left wanting when it comes to plant-based products that fall short in taste and texture, or don’t meet health requirements.

In particular, consumer demand for protein continues to grow, even among those avoiding animal-based products. In fact, according to a 2022 survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), the ‘good source of protein’ claim is the number one attribute that Americans look for when buying plant-based products.

At the same time, the IFIC reports an increasing number of consumers are avoiding major allergens​​ such as soy, gluten and dairy, with 40% of Americans having purchased a product with an allergen- or intolerance-related label over the past year. 

FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) estimates that 32 million Americans have one or more food allergies, including 5.6 million children under age 18. That's one in 13 children, or roughly two in every classroom. The nine major food allergens include milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean shellfish and sesame.

Sustainability at its heart

According to DSM, Vertis CanolaPRO increases protein levels in plant-based snacks, while remaining 100% allergen-free.

It added that when used as part of a protein blending strategy, the isolate is highly complementary to proteins from legumes and cereals, and fills in gaps in essential amino acids.

It has a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1; is on par with soy or whey; has a high digestibility score (DIAAS ≥ 100); and creates a smoother mouthfeel in dairy alternatives and performance nutrition products.

Produced from canola meal (a byproduct of canola/rapeseed oil production), sustainability is at the heart of the ingredient – having a small carbon footprint and requiring no additional arable land for its production. It’s also produced in a proprietary process with minimal water use, low temperatures and no solvents.

“We are immensely proud to bring Vertis CanolaPRO to the market to help address the need for nutritious, delicious and sustainable plant-based products,”​ said Patrick Niels, executive VP of Food & Beverage at DSM.

“We’re driven to partner with our customers to produce great products that have benefits for both people and the planet.​

“With the launch of Vertis CanolaPRO, we are establishing a leading portfolio of healthy and sustainable plant proteins that even better positions us as a go-to innovation partner for the plant-based market.”​

Alongside the launch of the canola protein isolate, DSM has unveiled a differentiating positioning and campaign for its Vertis plant protein portfolio. The portfolio includes plant protein concentrates and textured vegetable proteins based on peas and faba beans, which DSM acquired with Vestkorn Milling in 2021.

Sales of Vertis plant proteins are contributing to DSM’s commitment to make its plant-based portfolio accessible to 150 million people by 2030.

Last year, DSM also announced a pledge to support the sustainable production of animal protein, to address the societal and environmental challenges linked to food production and consumption.