DSM unveils portfolio for plant-based meat alternatives

DSM unveils its complete portfolio of integrated solutions for creating stand-out plant-based meat alternatives. The range is designed to enhance taste, texture and nutritional value, while also managing sodium content in meat alternative applications such as burgers, sausages and nuggets. Featuring a selection of yeast extracts, process flavors, hydrocolloids and nutritional ingredients, DSM’s full portfolio offers food producers the tools they need to get to this thriving market fast and meet growing consumer demand for an authentic, enjoyable and nourishing meat alternative experience.

While the demand for meat continues to grow, the retail value of meat alternatives is expected to double this decade more than. However, as the trend gains traction, consumer expectations and preferences are becoming more sophisticated. It is no longer enough that a product is plant-based. Consumers are increasingly looking for an end-to-end experience that offers great taste, compelling texture and mouthfeel, and a rich nutritional profile. Meanwhile, they expect reduced sodium levels in their foods, which is typically present in high quantities in alternative meat products. This presents a range of complex challenges for manufacturers in this space.

DSM’s plant-based meat alternative solutions

DSM’s plant-based meat alternative solutions include high nucleotide yeast extracts, such as Maxarome Select, which according to the company help to mask the ‘beany’ off-flavors typically associated with plant-based proteins and create a rich umami taste; Multirome, which claims to increase juiciness and creates a succulent, fatty mouthfeel and experience; the concentrated Maxavor flavor range to provide the desired meaty taste direction; and Gellaneer gellan gum, which enhances the water-binding capacity for improved juiciness, while also building an authentic meaty texture and bite. For great-tasting products that also offer an appealing nutritional profile, DSM’s Quali vitamins and DSM premix solutions can be added to fill the gaps in the nutritional profile of plant-based products. At the same time, the Maxavor RYE LS range can deliver a meaty flavor with reduced sodium to manage salt content.

DSM’s combined ingredient capabilities in taste, texture, and nutrition not only enable meat alter-native producers to optimize the cost-performance ratio of their recipes but also amplify front-of-pack claims.

Gilbert Verschelling, director, Business Development and Innovation at DSM, comments, “Delivering plant-based products that meet today’s evolving consumer demands is no easy task for food manufacturers. At DSM, we are uniquely positioned to help producers create delightful meat-alternative products that will tick all boxes for consumers. Our complete integrated portfolio of solutions for plant-based meat alternatives complements DSM’s wider plant-based offering, including its range of recently launched solutions for dairy alternatives.”

DSM aims to support the agri-food sector in delivering high-quality, nutritionally valuable protein products. It is supported by its in-depth application and technical experience, as well as its regulatory know-how and expertise across the nutrition, flavor, sensory and materials sciences.