Protein – the most abundant compound in the body after water – is essential to human existence. It is responsible for body tissue growth and repair, metabolic reactions, and satiety.

The body requires all the essential amino acids, which, contrary to popular belief, can be achieved by incorporating a range of plant proteins into the diet, thereby delivering many health benefits for people and the planet.

The protein enrichment market in Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2021 to 2026, driven by increasing demand for protein-rich food and beverages. Incorporating more plant proteins in convenient formats can provide more protein-consumption occasions for consumers throughout the day.

How formulators can design protein enrichment solutions

Incorporating more plant proteins in convenient formats can provide more protein-consumption occasions for consumers throughout the day.

There are strong nutritional and health benefits to consuming sufficient protein, but there are several challenges that need to be overcome to help formulators and producers deliver it.

The first of these is ensuring that the amino acid profile is considered ‘complete’ and all the essential amino acids are present. Plant proteins are not typically complete, but simply blending the right plant proteins means that this can easily be achieved.

Additionally, plant and dairy proteins are not always easily incorporated into products due to solubility or functionality, and, finally, one of the barriers to adopting plant proteins has always been the concern regarding the taste profile of pulse proteins in particular.

Designing a ‘Protein All Day’ culture will help mindful nutritionists balance personal nutrition, the environment, and their budgets. Careful new product development can meet the needs of certain groups, underpinned by the wide variety of next-generation ingredient systems, to create protein-packed products with wide and long-lasting appeal.