BENEO, a manufacturer of functional ingredients, is highlighting its new faba bean protein concentrate and starch-rich flour during this year’s IFT Food Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago from July 11–13. Themed “Rooted in Nature – the Power of Plants,” visitors to BENEO’s booth #S2410, will learn how faba bean ingredients are providing food manufacturers with innovative opportunities for texture improvement in meat and dairy alternatives as well as protein enrichment in a vast array of foods.
According to a recent consumer survey on behalf of BENEO[i], nearly half of US consumers are (very) interested in plant-based nutrition (42%)[ii]. Whereas 10% identify as vegans, vegetarians, or pescatarians, more than twice as many consumers polled (22%) identify as flexitarians. Consumers who follow this lifestyle intend to limit their meat and dairy consumption. Reacting to this trend, food manufacturers need ingredients that allow them to create appealing products utilizing sustainable plant-based options. Pulses such as faba bean are rising star ingredients in this category with product launches posting a CAGR of 20% in the recent past (2016-2021)[iii] and expectations for further growth.