DSM targets diversifying plant-based sports nutrition market with upcoming CanolaPro launch

22 Sep 2021 --- As the plant-based segment within sports nutrition matures, it is starting to diversify to address different consumer demographics. This is according to Melanie Luangrath, director of new business development at DSM Food Specialties, who speaks to NutritionInsight ahead of an upcoming webinar about the benefits of CanolaPro in protein powder.

CanolaPro, which was first announced in 2019, will launch commercially in 2022 across Europe and North America.

While there are other plant-based proteins on the market, CanolaPro offers a much higher solubility, according to Luangrath. 

“Therefore, it will give a very smooth mouthfeel even at high inclusion rates,” she comments. “These are two of the requirements consumers in the health and sports nutrition space have when it comes to their protein shakes.”

The functional protein isolate is derived from non-GMO canola. It touts a high digestibility score and a complete amino acid profile (PDCAAS of 1).CanolaPro addresses common issues with plant-based alternatives like grittiness, aftertastes and protein content. 

Differences emerge
“We’re beginning to see subtle yet important differences emerge between different consumer groups due to their diverging needs,” Luangrath emphasizes.

One example is weight managers who are looking for tasty and nutritious protein. Meanwhile, many fitness enthusiasts seek out high performance and easy digestibility without soy. 

“Another consumer segment that we can expect to emerge is that of consumers with sustainability concerns searching for high-protein foods. Sustainability is a key driver for many consumers to adopt a plant-based diet,” she adds. 

Nuances between nutrition and F&B
A recent consumer insights study conducted by DSM shows that the main reasons for incorporating more plant-based proteins in people’s diet are sustainability and health. This is the case both in the nutrition and in the F&B industry.   

“Sustainability is surging as a key driver because many consumers are waking up to the environmental impact of the food they eat,” says Luangrath.

She points to a recent study that found consumers are changing their meat and dairy consumption habits by adding more plant-based proteins to their diets.

All consumers – whether in the health and sports space or in the F&B arena – require food that is tasty, nutritious and good for the planet, she continues. 

“Sports nutrition is not only used in the context of sports but also to support an active lifestyle and weight loss – in this sense, consumer needs are the same. Sport-friendly food should be delicious, nutritious and good for the planet.” Different consumer groups include weight managers, fitness enthusiasts and those with sustainability concerns. 

Spotlight on sustainability
DSM has been emphasizing its sustainability credentials in recent years – most recently with its new restructuring. In the case of CanolaPro, for example, the company is valorizing an existing crop that is currently not used for food. 

There is no increased land use for producing CanolaPro, and its CO2 footprint is among the lowest of common plant proteins.

The company is also teaming up with farmers to help them work more sustainably and achieve a double-digit emission reduction by changing what farmers feed their animals.

Looking ahead, Luangrath anticipates that the plant-based trend will continue to grow with more and more people turning to at least a partly animal-free diet. 

“This will result in more and higher quality plant-based food and beverages products that are nutritious and delicious. We expect consumer preferences to further diversify based on taste, texture and health,” she concludes. 

On September 30, Luangrath will be joined by two other DSM experts to further discuss CanolaPro’s potential for plant-based sports nutrition. Registration for the webinar is open here. 

By Katherine Durrell