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    Proteins

    Proteins are the main building blocks for the human body and are an essential part of our daily diet. We consume proteins to build and repair our bodies. The market tendency is to offer sustainable sources of proteins and alternatives to traditional source of proteins like meat, poultry or fish.

    Fish and chips platter

    Market trends for proteins

    Current food trends apart from supplying proteins in a traditional way provide the broad spectrum of protein enriched (fortified) food and beverage. The rich in protein formulations are not only present in typical sport nutrition diets but go much beyond the athlete consumers.

    With a rapidly growing population the global demand for proteins in the food industry in the coming years is expected to grow even up to 80% in 2050 (source FAO). The type of protein and its availability as well as changing behavior of consumers tends to put more pressure on plant proteins and innovative proteins from nontraditional sources like algae, insect and new type of plants. The growing population of consumers who want to have a choice between meat and plant based products creates booming numbers of new launches of vegetarian and vegan foods and beverage in many subcategories like meat analogues, bakery, beverage, sport nutrition.

    Different types of protein

    Proteins for industrial use derive from vegetable and animal sources. There are traditional types like soya and wheat commonly known and used over decades but the market looks for alternatives. Thus a whole spectrum of plant-based proteins with a traditional source exists such as rice, pea or potato proteins. We also see coming up plant-based proteins being recognized as Novel Food such as hemp, sacha inchi, water lentil, fava bean and algae. Even if the plant trend is strongly booming, animal proteins are still being used thanks to their unique nutritional value and properties. Products like gelatin and collagen, dairy proteins or egg proteins play an important role to build proper recipes and value for the consumer.

    For many consumers alternative sources of proteins like plant proteins, pulses, nuts or seeds became already part of the daily diet but more and more new sources of proteins like algae, fungi or insects come to common usage in food industry.

    Filet mignon with seasoning

    Functionality of proteins in final food product

    In the food industry various proteins apart from the nutrient function play important technological roles as substances which help to improve texture, consistency, yield, mouth feel and the overall quality of processed foods. The specific functionality of a protein is strictly determined by its molecular structure – defined by source and processing during the production of a protein.

    Proteins thanks to their multi functionalities like solubility, viscosity, water binding, emulsifying, gelation, cohesion, foaming and elasticity bring a specific impact to food systems. They are used in vegetarian and vegan formulations, sport nutrition, baked goods, beverages, processed meat and fish, soups and sauces, dressings, toppings, and many other food formulations. Food producers can benefit from using various proteins for the improvement of texture, stability, shelf life, appearance, taste and smell.

    Nutrition aspects of proteins are important to provide energy and building blocks for our bodies, for growth, repair and the maintenance of good health. Animal proteins and some plant proteins like soya provide the full spectrum of amino acids needed by our organisms to maintain life, recover and build body tissue.

    If you want to learn more about proteins and the solutions we can offer you, please contact Brenntag Food & Nutrition. Our Food experts can support you in finding the right protein for your product.

    Regulatory

    Please check carefully the laws and regulations applicable for you. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

    Get in contact

    We can help find the right proteins for your application. Let our food experts help you solve any problems or questions you may have.

    Simply fill out the form and a Brenntag representative will contact you shortly.

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