Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 57 2025 | Page 24

With continued improvements in taste , texture , and functionality , more consumers will opt for products containing soy protein , and the opportunities for its use across many food categories will expand and grow . Soy proteins will continue to be a popular choice in new formulations - offering stellar protein quality and impactful functional properties . it is also a nutritional powerhouse , providing all nine essential amino acids required by the human body .
The future of plant-based protein innovation
The food and beverage industry is witnessing a remarkable shift as plant-based proteins continue to drive new product development . Pea , soy , and wheat proteins , in addition to new and innovative blends in plant-based concentrates , are revolutionising formulations - enhancing texture , nutritional value , and functionality across a wide range of applications .
While challenges such as taste , texture , and processing complexities remain , advancements in ingredient science and processing technologies mean that the industry is slowly overcoming these hurdles .
The increasing demand for sustainable , allergen-friendly , and high-performance plant proteins will continue to propel the industry forward , opening the door to even more sophisticated , consumercentric innovations .
By leveraging cutting-edge formulation techniques and strategic ingredient combinations , manufacturers can create nextgeneration plant-based products that meet evolving consumer tastes , nutrition , and sustainability expectations .
For information on the ACI Group ’ s range of alternative proteins , please visit www . acigroup . com for more insights .
Jack Helm , Account Manager - Food , ACI Group
The rise in plant-based products high in protein is driven by the consumer ’ s desire to be healthier , take care of the environment , and critically , behave ethically towards domestic animals reared for eating . These requirements led to a burst of new product development including dairy alternatives , high-protein plant-based snacks , meat substitutes such as nuggets , burgers , and sausages , and ready-to-drink beverages and functional shakes in the sports nutrition category .
24 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk