Aker BioMarine launches krill protein isolate for sustainable F&B

14 Jan 2021 --- Aker BioMarine is tapping into the global demand for non-dairy and non-soy protein with the launch of Invi, a hydrolyzed krill protein isolate for powders, foods and beverages.

Invi – derived from the words “ingredient” and “vital” – has a complete amino acid profile, which is also rich in minerals, including calcium and magnesium.

The new ingredient is positioned as a highly concentrated and sustainable protein source for value-added applications, such as ready-to-drink beverages.

“Consumers are looking for healthy protein options for personal, health and environmental reasons,” Ingeborg Tennes, marketing director of Invi protein, tells NutritionInsight.

However, many of the plant-based proteins are GMO and not complete proteins, she concedes. 

“Invi fills this gap, so consumers no longer need to make compromises when seeking an alternative to dairy and soy protein sources.”  

Invi is formulated for a variety of end applications, from clear protein drinks to protein bars.Versatile and high in protein 
Invi boasts several nutritional features that can aid in product development. 

The presence of naturally occurring minerals, for example, may allow for structure and function claims for end products.

The isolate is enzymatically hydrolyzed into predigested peptides, promoting rapid uptake in the body and better mixability into food and beverages.

Furthermore, Invi is a highly concentrated isolate with a protein purity above 90 percent. 

“Krill is a fantastic resource of omega 3 and protein. After the omega 3 oil has been extracted, Invi is made from the defatted krill meal,” explains Tennes.

Moreover, Invi is heat-stable, which allows for high-temperature processing and minimal end product precipitation. 

Enhancing sensory performance 
The development of Invi was five years in the making. The high water-binding capacity of Invi can give a smoother texture and moistness in a variety of end applications, from clear protein drinks to protein bars. 

While krill is naturally high in protein, Tennes points out the real challenge in developing Invi for human consumption was to optimize the sensory qualities. 

“Amazon analysis points out mixability to be consumers’ major pain point in current protein powder products on the market today,” explains Tennes.  

“Invi protein is highly soluble and will dissolve completely within minutes of stirring or shaking. The low viscosity of the proteins in solution means that a high concentration of protein can be used in a drink while maintaining a pleasant viscosity.”  

Keeping sustainability in mind
Another key challenge in the creation of Invi was identifying process requirements going from gram to metric ton scale production – while keeping a low carbon footprint, Tennes affirms.  

That milestone has been achieved with the launch of Invi, using sustainably harvested krill as the basis of its innovation. Invi is a highly concentrated krill isolate with a protein purity above 90 percent.

"Antarctic krill are among the largest of the 85 known krill species and make up one of the world’s largest single-species marine biomasses," she says.  

The company is now building a protein plant in Norway to provide scaled production and a platform for on-going development backed by Norwegian government funding. 

Aker BioMarine plans to ramp up production of Invi toward 5,000 MT per year, estimated to generate US$80 to US$100 million in revenue.

The future of Invi
Tennes details that the next step for Invi is to start application development work with potential customers, with the first product expected on the market in 2022 or 2023.

“As a partner, we perform scientific studies to investigate the health benefits and new attributes of our ingredient, uncover end-consumer and industry insights and explore the wide range of end-applications.”  

She asserts the oceans will provide more solutions and opportunities as trends shift away from land-based food production to feed the world’s growing population. 

Sustainable protein category
Protein ingredients continue to innovate to create new and exciting NPD to meet consumer demand for functional F&B. 

Aker BioMarine reports the global protein market retail market is expected to grow from US$34 billion in 2020 to US$40 billion in 2023.

This month, algae specialist Qualitas Health landed US$10 million in venture funds to commercialize a plant-based protein featuring a complete amino acid profile with additional omega 3 benefits. 

Recently in the protein space, Novozymes launched a new enzyme for “better tasting” high-protein beverages, and Soylent Nutrition launched a new line of high-protein drinkable meals. 

Limited edition NPD is also seeing launches containing protein isolate. Over the holiday season, Biochem launched a whey isolate protein in a chocolate peppermint flavor to give consumers “peak holiday energy.”

By Missy Green