A clean label natural citrus fiber system containing Citri-Fi can replace methyl cellulose in plant-based meat-free foods due to its excellent gelling emulsion binding ability. This natural citrus fiber helps create a texture that simulates real animal meat and produces a burst of juiciness and sizzle during cooking.
The demand for plant-based foods has skyrocketed due to health, sustainability, and environmental concerns. One plant-based food in particular quickly entered the limelight – meat alternatives. Yet, to make these meat alternatives comparable to their animal-meat counterparts, product developers use a thermogelling and emulsifying ingredient such as methyl cellulose. This ingredient is highly synthetic. Having a stabilized gel emulsion with moisture control properties is critical for a meat-like texture and juiciness. Formulators heavily rely upon methyl cellulose to provide functional benefits that make plant-based meats convincing. However, there is now a cost-competitive clean label solution that contains Citri-Fi. This natural citrus fiber solution is an effective thermally gelling emulsion system for meat alternative products.