Cambridge Commodities Launches Vegan Protein Range
11 Feb 2016 --- Ingredient supplier Cambridge Commodities has launched a range of high quality vegan proteins to meet the increased demand for plant-based protein ingredients. The ProEarth range consists of black bean, almond, cranberry, buckwheat, hemp, pumpkin seed and quinoa powders with protein content ranging from 20% to 80%.
Extracted from superfoods, ProEarth vegan proteins are clean label, often allergen free and easily digestible due to their fiber content. Plant protein sources can provide a full profile of amino acids and omega 3 fatty acids, connecting with key drivers of health-conscious consumers.
Emma Cattell, research & development nutritionist at Cambridge Commodities told NutritionInsight that being vegan is more than just a trend. Cattell discusses the reasons behind launching the vegan range: "Consumers are becoming more conscious of global environmental and ethical issues in addition to becoming more health conscious, which could be attributed in part to various media campaigns that have taken place in recent years. Despite the common misconception, switching to a wholefood, plant-based diet is not boring, limited or deficient in nutrients."
Cattell adds: "Satisfying, flavorful and nutrient-rich dishes are easy to create with a little know-how. A plant-based diet not only promotes a significant improvement in general health, it acts as a holistic lifestyle change, significantly increasing energy levels, vitality and wellbeing."
Products in the ProEarth range are minimally processed to give clean label appeal. All but hemp and cranberry are produced via water extraction, a solvent-free method which is a cleaner and more ecological processing method than alcohol based extraction. Hemp is comprised of cold-pressed, ground hemp seeds, and cranberry is produced by an enzyme-free, solvent-free cold extrusion and filtration process.
ProEarth vegan proteins have a range of additional nutritional benefits to their protein content, aligning with demand for multifunctional ingredients. ProEarth cranberry, buckwheat, hemp, pumpkin seed and quinoa proteins are free from the 14 major allergens. Many products in the range contain natural plant fiber which is essential for digestive health. Hemp is considered a ‘complete protein’ with a full profile of amino acids; quinoa also has a good profile of amino acids.
Cattell comments: “The ProEarth range is the next generation of vegan proteins, beyond the traditional soy, pea and rice. Awareness of different protein sources is now much higher among the general population than in previous years, due to environmental issues such as global warming and sustainability.
“With the shift of sports nutrition positioning products towards lifestyle goals, consumers expect more from products than just protein. Vegan proteins have a host of other benefits in addition to protein including being rich in vitamins and minerals, more natural, less processed, environmentally friendly and ethical,” say Cattell.
“The rise of people choosing to follow a flexitarian diet by reducing meat consumption and the increase of vegetarianism and veganism has boosted demand for alternative protein,” she concludes: “We believe that the trend for new and innovative vegan protein sources is set to continue as consumers look to more natural, plant-based products to meet their healthy lifestyle goals.”
by Elizabeth Kenward
