From botanicals to plant proteins, on-trend functional ingredients can help set your plant-based food and drink apart, writes Tony Gay, Prinova’s Head of Technical Sales and NPD.

The plant-based trend continues to go from strength to strength. According to analysis by Bloomberg Intelligence, the global market was worth $29.4 billion in 2020 and is on course to reach $161.9 billion by 2030. (1)

The sector’s success is primarily down to its appeal beyond the traditional vegan base, with demand being driven by the increasing numbers of environmentally conscious consumers and the health halo the category brings.

Research shows that 71% of consumers worldwide now consider plant-based claims to be somewhat or very appealing (2). As a result, plant-based claims are being used to fuel growth in a wide range of products, from dairy alternatives to fruit juices and energy drinks.

In a crowded marketplace, nutritious formulations are vital to maximise products’ appeal among today’s health-conscious consumers. With the addition of botanical extracts, plant proteins and other functional ingredients, brands can create exceptional plant-based food and drink that matches up to modern expectations.

Opportunities in plant-based dairy alternatives

Dairy alternatives have played a huge role in growing the plant-based market. Bloomberg Intelligence put plant-based dairy’s value at $23 billion in 2020 and suggested it has the potential to reach $62.3 billion by 2030. Milk substitutes represent around 75% of the dairy alternatives market, but plant-based yoghurt, ice cream and cheese are also becoming well established worldwide.

Recent advances in processing technology mean these products often taste as good as, or even better than, real dairy. However, plant-based options can lack some of the nutritional benefits of dairy, so it is important to incorporate micronutrients such as vitamins B12 and D and calcium. Adding in plant proteins can boost dairy alternatives’ appeal, too. Research shows that pea protein is becoming an increasingly popular option, featuring in 13% of dairy alternative launches in 2020 (3).

Plant-based dairy alternatives can also be adapted to include additional functional ingredients. For example, research shows that European consumers agree that drinking yoghurts with live bacteria can help to support the immune system (4). Dairy alternatives enriched with probiotic bacteria are well placed to tap into this opportunity, too.

Opportunities in plant-based beverages

Beverage brands are now using plant-based claims on a wide range of products, including meal replacement shakes, juices, coffees and energy drinks. In fact, by the middle of 2021, the proportion of global beverage launches featuring plant-based claims reached nearly 10% (5).

The use of functional ingredients and natural formulations can help brands enhance their plant-based drinks’ appeal among health-conscious consumers. Mintel analysis shows that juice brands are increasingly creating vitamin-enriched and nutritious products to appeal to modern consumers, while ‘wellness shots’ are also gaining noticeable traction (6). The fortified water trend is on the rise, too. Worldwide, the most popular micronutrients across fortified water launches in 2020 were vitamin C (12.8%), B6 (11.2%), niacin (10.3%) and B12 (10%). (7)

Energy drinks have long featured additional micronutrients, with 52% of global launches making added vitamin/mineral claims in 2020 (8). Now, brands are also utilising more natural formulations to widen their products’ appeal. There are many plant-based ingredients that make the perfect addition to energy drinks with a natural positioning, including yerba mate, green tea, green coffee, guarana and ginseng.

Demand is also growing for plant-based protein drinks. Research has found that more active nutrition consumers consider plant protein (57%) to be appealing than whey protein (55%). (9) There is a wide range of excellent plant protein sources that can boost products’ functional benefits. Pea and rice, for example, are natural high protein sources with rich amino acid profiles.

Prinova’s portfolio for plant-based applications

Prinova can provide all the ingredients you need for plant-based products, including vitamins and minerals, proteins, functional botanicals, hydrocolloids, flavours and aromas. The range includes:

Vitamins and minerals

Prinova is the global leader in vitamins and derivatives, with a comprehensive selecion and reliable supply of high-quality micronutrients. To meet the nutritional challenges associated with plant-based diets, we offer specially formulated premixes that are rich in nutrients such as vitamins B12 and D and calcium.

Plant proteins

Our portfolio of plant-based proteins includes chickpea, fava bean, pea, pumpkin seed, red lentil, rice, soy and watermelon seed. We have 8% of the pea protein market and our ‘Pea Protein 85%’ is high in BCAAs, arginine and glutamic acid. It ranks highly on protein quality with a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 0.78 and it is also allergen-free.

Botanicals and superfoods

Using natural functional ingredients can significantly boost products’ appeal. Examples include ashwagandha, which is mainly used for stress relief, enhancing concentration and increasing energy levels, and ginseng extract, which may help stimulate physical and mental activity and reduce stress. A variety of superfood berries can provide benefits, too. Acerola, for instance, is a cherry that is high in vitamin C, while acai berries are commonly used to support the immune system as they are rich in antioxidants.

Aromas

We offer a range of high-quality aroma chemicals from natural sources, providing ideal opportunities for clean, all-natural labels in plant-based food and drink.

Branded ingredients

Prinova is a leading supplier of branded ingredients, helping plant-based brands stay ahead of the latest consumer trends. Our vast range includes Clean Cream®, which is a clean-label, highly soluble, plant-based vegan cream powder that adds a natural, rich taste and creamy texture to applications including protein and meal replacement shakes. The goFAT® suite of low-carb fat powders, meanwhile, can promote a full feeling and help maintain blood sugar in already healthy ranges. Containing conjugated linoleic acid, coconut and olive oil, they improve the taste, texture and functions of applications including shakes, coffees and keto products. Aquamin™ is a marine multi-mineral complex product range that can also benefit a wide range of plant-based products. It is natural, plant-based and clean label, providing highly bioactive minerals such as calcium, magnesium and 72 other trace marine minerals.

Unleash your plant-based products’ potential

Prinova’s wealth of knowledge in the plant-based sector means we can provide you with the cutting-edge ingredients and formulations you need to set your products apart. Leaning on our insight into the latest market and consumer trends, our experts can work with you to create unique concepts before bringing your ideas to life.

We can provide a single source for all your functional ingredients and premix manufacturing, including nutrient-rich options for plant-based beverages and dairy alternatives such as milk, yoghurt and cheese.

Backed by an immense product portfolio and deep technical expertise, Prinova is the experienced partner you need — from concept to completion.

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(1) Bloomberg Intelligence Plant-based Foods Poised for Explosive Growth (2020)
(2) GlobalData Plant-based F&B claims have positive connotations for nearly three quarters of consumers globally, says GlobalData (2020)
(3) Innova Market Insights
(4) KuRunData/Mintel
(5) Mintel GNPD
(6) Mintel The Future of Juice & Juice Drinks (2021)
(7) Mintel GNPD
(8) Mintel The Future of Water, Sports and Energy Drinks: 2021 (2021)
(9) FMCG Gurus Understanding Positive Nutrition in 2021 (2021)