Is your plant protein supplier solely connecting you with ingredients or with expertise that inspires?

Formulating with more plant proteins is a tremendous opportunity for food and beverage manufacturers to appeal to more consumers and drive brand growth. In fact, consumers worldwide say they are seeking — and buying — more products with increased protein content, and they're prepared to spend more for them as well.¹

• 73% of consumers are willing to pay more for food and beverage products with ‘high protein’ claims¹
• 68% are willing to pay more for food and beverage products with ‘made with plant-based ingredients’ claims¹

Consumer food and beverage choices come down to a wide range of personal preferences, beliefs and motivations. Taste is at the top, of course, but consumers also make selections based on better nutrition and health benefits, sustainability and environmental impact, personal and cultural principles and many other variables.

Experience the difference our plant protein experts can make

• Deep Technical knowhow
• Formulation expertise
• Actionable innovation
• North American-grown and produced

The consumer desire for alternatives to traditional animal-based proteins is showing steady upward momentum. Ingredion’s portfolio of versatile, sustainably sourced plant-based proteins allows manufacturers to create delicious products that are rich in functional protein, do not require specific labeling in the allergen statement, unlike soy, and are suitable for any lifestyle.

Through our innovative technology, proprietary manufacturing processes, exclusive data insights and a dedicated team of food and sensory scientists, we help food and beverage companies bring exciting plant-based protein products to market faster.

Formulating for success with plant-based protein

Our team consists of proven plant-based protein experts who work to develop more complete protein nutrition using the comprehensive protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) methodology, which measures for protein quality. Understanding PDCAAS and how to measure it is vitally important for manufacturers as they create their protein products, especially when a protein level claim is intended for the front of package.

Ingredion is committed to the world of plant protein, and we're continually investing toward helping you navigate it to get the most out of this essential ingredient.

Overcoming formulation barriers with plant-based protein solutions

Research shows that consumers seek protein because they find the eating and drinking experience enjoyable, it is linked to better health and nutrition and it provides greater satiety and consistent energy.³ However, consumer concerns over taste, texture are holding back adoption and exponential growth in the plant-based protein space.

Consumers want all the benefits they expect from their preferred food and beverage choices in addition to great taste and appealing mouthfeel. The examples below demonstrate how partnering with Ingredion can help you overcome common plant protein application challenges — including taste and texture — and formulate to evolving consumer demands.

Formulating a tastier, ready-to-mix plant-based protein beverage

Application: Create a high-protein, sweet-tasting ready-to-mix drink mix with smooth mouthfeel

Challenge: Taste and off notes, protein fortification, high viscosity, sedimentation, instability and unappealing mouthfeel

Solution: VITESSENCE® Pea 200 D pea protein isolates boost protein while providing clean flavor, low viscosity and enhanced fiber content, resulting in an instant drink mix with 25 grams of protein and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Formulating a cold pressed protein bar with desirable texture and extended shelf life

Application: Create a higher-protein cold pressed bar with delicious flavor, grit free texture and an extended shelf life

Challenge: Taste and off notes, chalky texture, sugar content, and hardening product over shelf life

Solution: Support higher levels of protein with clean-tasting VITESSENCE® Pea 100 HD pea protein isolate and reduce sugar with our line of alternative sweeteners; and enhance fiber content.

Formulating a coconut-chai frozen dessert with protein fortification

Application: Create a creamy, clean-tasting frozen dessert without the use of dairy

Challenge: Taste and off notes, instability, protein fortification, complex label declarations

Solution: Deliver high-protein content with a smooth texture with our VITESSENCE® Pea 200 D protein isolate increases protein content while complementing our Dairyblend Natural IC 21 stabilizer system to deliver excellent emulsification, stability and texture. The result is a formulation with appealing taste and mouthfeel, improved shelf life and simpler label declarations.

Excellence in plant-protein sustainability

Ingredion's tools for success

We have all the tools to help formulators ensure tasty, better-for-you product success from bench to shelf.

Plant-based protein case studies

See examples of how our collaborative partnership can propel your success in plant-based proteins.

Our portfolio enables protein fortification for any application

Plant-based ingredient categories

Take a closer look at the versatility of plant-based proteins in a variety of applications.

End-to-end development capabilities

Eighty-two percent of global consumers are open to the idea of incorporating pea protein into their food and beverages. Further, 36% of respondents in our 2023 proprietary ATLAS study rated pea protein as “highly acceptable.” Not only does Ingredion have the ingredient solutions for some of the most sought-after plant-based products, but we also have the people and science behind those ingredients to enable deep collaboration and help you develop successful and exciting food and beverages.

Stand out in the crowded market with our complete range of isolates from pulses as we provide development capabilities along the way. You’ll be quicker to market with products consumers will love.

Meet our experts enabling your plant-based protein application success

Our consumer insights team can help you make more informed decisions related to your specific category and region.

Here are examples of some of our latest consumer insights for plant-based protein.

Ingredion global sensory embraces a multi-prong scientific approach

We use trained tasters, conusmers, advanced statistics, oral processing and chemosensory to understand how sensory characterization shapes customer selction of Ingredion as "The preferred solution supplier."

Fast track customer co-creation consultancy model

Our concept innovation approach utilizes input and market strategies to develop breakthrough innovative concept formulations ready for focus groups, manufacturing and continued R&D.

Frequently asked questions about plant-based protein

What are plant-based proteins?

Plant-based protein is a food source of protein derived from plants. Pulses are among the leading plant-protein sources. They provide high levels of stable protein (up to 85% in some products). Not a top major allergen like other options such as soy and wheat. Pulses are nutritious, cost competitive and sustainable.

What types of plant-based proteins does Ingredion offer?

Ingredion is a producer in North America that offers a complete portfolio of pea protein isolates and pea starch.

What is your de-flavored product line?

Our de-flavored pulse concentrates and flours enable you to create plant-based food and beverages without the raw plant flavor, bitter taste or uncontrolled microbial levels inherent in dry-milled pulse products. De-flavored pulses are rich in protein, fiber and many micronutrients. Our proprietary physical process yields a clean flavor profile while also keeping the macro and micronutrient content that is important for label claims.

Why is consumer demand for plant-based proteins on the rise?

Consumers are driven by concerns about their health and wellness and mindful consumptions. There is a growing movement away from animal meat products and traditional plant-based products (soy and wheat) and towards non-GMO, plant-based alternatives free of top allergens. A recent study of U.S. respondents showed that 70% of consumers are actively seeking protein in their diet.⁴

Related resources

_{1ATLAS, Ingredion Proprietary Consumer Research, 2023
2MarketsAndMarkets, 2022
3Innova Market Insights 2022
4Ingredion proprietary All About Protein Quantitative Report (U.S.), March 2023}