Parabel USA, a producer of plant protein ingredients, has announced successful results for its new, patent pending milk made from water lentils, adding to its growing portfolio of patents worldwide.

LENTEIN is a protein extracted from water lentils farmed in Florida, USA, and is claimed to have the highest levels of EAA and BCAA of all plant protein and a digestibility score of 0.93.

LENTEIN Complete also contains a range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, Omega 3 fatty acids, B-Carotene and is also soy-, lactose- and gluten free Parabel’s first commercial product is LENTEIN Complete - a protein ingredient for protein powders and snacks In the pipeline are a concentrate and an isolate.

Peter Sherlock, Parabels CTO, said: "We are all elated to have achieved this breakthrough innovation. Our lentil milk is similar in colour to regular milk and captures the extraordinary, high quality protein and mineral benefits of water lentils while containing no allergens. The milk froths and foams effectively. This innovative addition also retains the same high level of sustainability as the rest of our product range."

The plant-based milk market has continued to grow over the years, now accounting for 15% of total milk sales in the USA, and is set to grow at a double digit rate over the next few years, Parabel notes

Parabel already has 94 patents around the extraction and end use of plant protein from water lentils (Lemnaceae), often called the worlds smallest flowering plant. Parabel uses no chemicals or pesticides to grow and process this Non-GMO plant and the environmental footprint is low. Parabels technology is said to be highly scalable as water lentils can double in biomass every day enabling daily crop harvests.

The company says that the plant protein has been well received by the industry for inclusion into beverages, snacks and bars due to its hypoallergenic and nutrient dense profile. Food manufacturers, Parabel says, are looking for healthy and sustainable plant-based alternatives to many grocery staples, and water lentils are proving to be a perfect solution for them. LENTEIN received the No Objections letter from the FDA in 2018.

Parabel operates globally from its HQ in Florida and has an existing product portfolio that includes protein concentrates, isolate and protein flour. Parabel is finalizing its second farm, bringing the capacity for LENTEIN plant protein to 3,500 MT per year. The farms are located in an Opportunity Zone.