Level Up Your Plant-Powered Protein Solutions

It’s no secret that plant proteins are more in demand than ever. In fact, 46% of global consumers are engaged in the categories of “meat alternatives” and “dairy alternatives”[1]. Modern society is increasingly embracing a flexitarian lifestyle and proactively seeking plant-powered foods that allow them to meet their nutritional and wellness goals while also satisfying their taste buds.

Soy-based meat alternatives are emerging at a particularly elevated rate due to their versatility and nutritional value. They are currently the only plant protein source with comparable essential amino acid levels and availability to animal proteins, making them the go-to ingredient for a variety of meat-alternative products. This is exemplified by current consumer research, with 46% of Thai consumers choosing soy as their source of plant-based protein[2]. In addition to boosting protein levels, quality soy protein isolates can help enhance texture and viscosity as well as increase water retention and juiciness in meat-alternative products such as nuggets, patties, and burgers.

For formulators looking to expand beyond soy, plant proteins such as pea, wheat, beans, ancient grains, seeds, and nuts can provide a nutritious option based on formulation-specific goals. For example, if a manufacturer is looking to develop a product void of common allergens but still provides essential nutritional benefits, pea protein would be an ideal choice for this application.

The Plant-Based Puzzle: 3 Proven Solutions for Unique Challenges

As more consumers adopt a plant-based lifestyle and demand increases for plant-powered proteins, the need for additional variety and functional benefits in meat-alternative products increases in parallel. Lack of variety is one of the top 5 barriers for consumers to try plant-based protein alternatives[3]. Not only do consumers want diversity, but they also want products that taste delicious, have a pleasing mouthfeel, and provide nutritional benefits. This can be complicated. Sourcing high-quality, nutritious ingredients that can be manufactured into innovative, consumer-friendly formats is a challenge for today’s food manufacturers. It can feel like a puzzle trying to fit together all the pieces necessary to create a meat alternative that fulfills consumer demand. This is where the right partner can make all the difference.

ADM is a premier global human and animal nutrition provider. As a result, they can offer an unrivaled variety of plant-based proteins specifically designed to help create nutritious, consumer-preferred foods with better taste and better functionality. ADM understands the formulation challenges of producing high-quality meat alternatives better than anyone in the industry. This is why they developed a proven system to help formulators create unique, personalised plant-based solutions in a range of trending formats. The system, NutriFlex™, comprises 3 distinct levels of support, regardless of production and manufacturing setup, designed to provide everything from functional building blocks to fully finished turnkey products.

Level 1: MaxFlex™ Blends

A good chef knows that choosing high-quality ingredients is the first step in making a top-notch dish. The same goes for creating a delicious plant-based alternative. ADM’s MaxFlex™ system offers synergistic protein blends designed to be combined with other functional ingredients to maximise protein, nutrition, and functionality to create market-winning products.

Level 2: AccelFlex™ Texture & Function

A significant challenge with alternative proteins is getting a delicious taste as well as mouth-pleasing texture. AccelFlex™ building blocks are designed to be combined with other ingredients to address texture, structure, functional, and nutritional challenges.

Level 3: EdgeFlex™ Delivery Platforms

While consumers are excited by innovative plant-based alternatives, they still want them with familiar tastes and delivery formats. 60% of Filipino consumers agree that meat alternatives should closely mimic the taste of meat[4]. EdgeFlex™ offers a full-service finished product delivery platform to help get customised plant-forward products to market faster in a consumer-preferred format.

These 3 levels of support help formulators achieve the perfect balanced meat alternative product no matter where they are in the product development process or the amount of assistance they require.

Integrated Convenience: Farm to Plate

The goal of the NutriFlex™ system is to reduce supply chain complexity for food manufacturers by allowing them to partner with a single solution provider for all their plant-based needs. By doing so, manufacturers can create a highly tailored, expertly crafted product and get to market faster with the help of consistent end-to-end support.

ADM has over 75 years of experience in the alternative proteins category, and their expertise in the industry enables a partnership that can take a product from concept to finished product quickly and effectively. Leveraging ADM’s vertically-integrated portfolio in conjunction with their comprehensive offering in taste, nutrition, texture, functional benefits, and color considerations make them the preferred partner for convenient, streamlined product development. In addition, ADM offers everything from marketing insights and consumer validation to sensory testing to ensure new products have the competitive edge they need to stand out in a crowded market.

Ready to get started? Contact your local ADM sales office today to get started on your next plant protein solution or to learn more about ADM’s full-service offerings.