What if a company could take one of the world’s most plentiful crops and unlock the previously inedible protein within to help the plant-based industry create a whole new generation of healthy and sustainable products?
This is precisely what dsm-firmenich has achieved – in the form of Vertis™ CanolaPRO®, produced by joint venture Olatein. Derived from the canola plant, this sustainable plant protein packs greater nutrition into everything from dairy alternatives to meat & fish alternatives to sports nutritional bars and beverages. But importantly, it does all this while maintaining an appetizing taste and texture. So how did this all come about – and what does it mean for manufacturers?
Sewing the seeds of success
Famous for its distinctive, vivid yellow color, the canola plant (also known as rapeseed) is the world’s third leading source of vegetable oil. Following the refining process, the leftover ‘cake’ (or meal) has traditionally been used either for agricultural fertilizer or animal feed. However, this is no ordinary side stream…because this cake contains 30-40% high-quality protein.
It was here that dsm-firmenich scientists stepped in to create a patented technique for extracting all this goodness using a mild (solvent-free) process with no high temperatures or pH extremes. The result: Vertis™ CanolaPRO®: now officially recognized by the Upcycled Certified Program as being the only commercially available upcycled protein with a nutritionally complete PDCAAS = 1 rating.
In fact, it has the lowest overall environmental impact of any common, large-scale protein isolate on the market.
High in protein, great sensory properties
The PDCAAS=1 rating is important, because not all plant-based proteins are equal. Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is a non-GMO, 90% native protein isolate that contains all the essential amino acids. What’s more, it’s free from major allergens (dairy, gluten, soy); kosher and halal; and created from EU-sourced seeds.
When you consider that “good source of protein” is the number one attribute consumers in the United States look for when buying plant-based products¹ this opens up a new world of opportunity for manufacturers of plant-based foods and beverages – across a wide range of different applications.
It’s especially true when you consider that Vertis™ CanolaPRO® also delivers excellent sensory qualities. This includes unique texture (across different applications, and also when texturized with other proteins) and a clean and neutral taste – which is huge based on the fact that 52%² of consumers who are dissatisfied with plant-based products have attributed this to taste.
Changing the game in sports nutrition
One key area of opportunity lies in the sports nutrition segment – where we’re seeing subtle yet important differences emerge between different consumer groups: from those seeking more planet-friendly options; to ‘weight managers’ looking for delicious yet nutritious protein; to fitness enthusiasts wanting easy digestibility; to elite athletes striving for superior performance.
The vegan protein powder market alone is forecast to reach $8.8 bn by 2032; and vegan protein bars are expected to grow with a CAGR of 18% from 2023 to 2033. The key for manufacturers looking to tap into this opportunity? The ability to provide vegan sports nutrition products that taste good, feel good – and provide both the right quantity and quality of protein.
Plant protein that raises the ‘bar’
In ready-to-mix and ready-to-drink protein drinks, for example, Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is helping to create winning, protein-packed products that taste great – without the aftertaste, lumps and grittiness that consumers so often associate with them.
Meanwhile, in nutritional bars, Vertis™ CanolaPRO® provides appetizing texture and high nutrition – to the point where the professional Team dsm-firmenich PostNL cycling team now uses the product to help drive tangible improvements in key areas like focus, endurance, resilience and recovery.
In the words of team member Alex Edmondson: “During extreme sporting events like the Tour de France, my body is under a lot of pressure. The vegan Vertis™ CanolaPRO® Protein Bar successfully aids my recovery, making sure I receive the optimal nutrients needed – and I’m better prepared for the days ahead.”
Dairy
Beyond sports nutrition, the rise of plant-based dairy continues apace – and Vertis™ CanolaPRO® can play a key role for manufacturers striving to improve sensory qualities while also bridging the nutrition gap with traditional dairy milk.
With high solubility (even at low pH), good emulsifying properties and gelling behavior, Vertis™ CanolaPRO® can be easily blended into plant-based milk, yogurt and ice cream alternatives to deliver a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and neutral taste. And all with a healthy and sustainable protein hit.
Tackling a meaty challenge
When it comes to recreating the sensory and nutritional qualities of animal-based proteins, the meat & fish alternatives market is perhaps even more challenging than dairy alternatives.
Getting the texture right in these types of applications is especially tough, but Vertis™ CanolaPRO® can be used to improve the texturization of other ingredients – for example, legume proteins, in both wet and dry extrusion. By fortifying products with Vertis™ CanolaPRO® it’s possible to achieve a texture with an improved bite and greater resilience that resembles real meat – in everything from plant-based burgers, sausages and mince; to vegan fish applications like salmon cakes, crab meat and tinned tuna.
Bringing progress to life
Is Vertis™ CanolaPRO™ ‘the food of tomorrow’? The organizers of this year’s CFIA Expo in Renne, France, certainly thought so, having honored it with a coveted Innovation Award. But Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is just one of many nutritious, delicious, sustainable and label-friendly solutions from dsm-firmenich that are all based on one simple premise: today’s consumers shouldn’t have to choose between what tastes good, what feels good, and what’s good for them – and the planet.
Some might view these three forces as separate – or even in conflict with each other. But Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is proof positive that it’s possible to tick all three boxes: and bring progress to life for plant-based brands and consumers everywhere.
Discover Vertis™ CanolaPRO® here.
¹ https://ncdalliance.org/why-ncds/NCDs
² FMCG Gurus Meat & Plant-based Global Report 2022
