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Bridge the protein gap in dairy alternatives with the help of faba bean protein

With nearly half of consumers across the globe now interested in plant-based foods and beverages, reducing dairy consumption is today well and truly on the agenda.

With close to one in two consumers worldwide showing interest in plant-based food and drink options¹, cutting down on dairy is clearly becoming a consumer focus point. In fact, according to research on behalf of BENEO2, more than three in 10 consumers globally are choosing to limit their dairy consumption. Among the 24% of global consumers who describe themselves as flexitarians³, about half (49%) are already buying dairy alternatives, while nearly one in three (32%) also purchase plant-based sweets like chocolate. However, there is room for more growth amongst flexitarian consumers, with an additional third interested in buying dairy alternatives in the future and 42% wanting to explore sweets alternatives.⁴

As flexitarians are a key target group for manufacturers of plant-based products, it is important to know what is driving their purchasing in order to effectively tap into this trend with alternative dairy solutions. BENEO’s consumer survey revealed that top drivers for flexitarian purchasing for dairy alternatives⁵ include being healthy and helping consumers take care of their body (49%), being natural (44%), as well as supporting a well-balanced diet (44%). Delivering a better nutritional profile is therefore crucial and brands need to build their ‘better-for-you’ credentials to convince flexitarians across the globe. As a result, on-pack messaging that re-enforces clean and cleaner label priorities is proving popular. For instance, four in five flexitarian consumers of plant-based dairy alternatives would find a ‘natural ingredients’ claim convincing.⁶

Not surprisingly, offering a pleasant taste and texture is also a key driver to repeat purchase. Almost half of global flexitarians (46%) pay attention to these aspects when shopping for plant-based dairy alternatives, and almost three in four (73%) find it (very) important that these products have a similar full-bodied mouthfeel like products containing dairy.⁷

The versatility and benefits of faba bean ingredients

So, while an appealing taste and texture are important purchase factors for dairy alternatives, nutritional value is key, now more than ever. In order to stand out on the shelf, manufacturers are looking to make their products naturally functional – e.g., by reducing sugar and at the same time adding ingredients such as prebiotic fibre and (plant-based) protein.⁸

Thanks to increasing efforts in new product development, companies such as BENEO have developed high quality plant proteins with a neutral taste and other technical benefits that deliver in terms of both taste and texture. The versatility of faba bean ingredients deserves the spotlight because it benefits both manufacturers and consumers. As a vegetal protein, BENEO’s faba bean protein concentrate can be used to replace animal protein (milk, egg), as well as soy protein in certain applications. It also has an excellent amino acid profile, high solubility, and very good emulsifying properties. As a result, it is ideal for use in a wide range of dairy alternative products including vegan beverages like smoothies or plant-based coffee creamers.

Delicious dairy-free desserts to win over consumers’ hearts

After learning all the above statistics and trends, BENEO’s latest application solution should get some well-deserved attention: a delicious dairy-free cocoa dessert! This delightful application possibility showcases the power of faba bean protein, while ticking off all the above needs of today’s consumers. The indulgent treat proves that dairy alternatives can offer the desired taste, texture, and nutrition. Download the in-depth paper and discover how faba bean protein can elevate your next dairy alternative innovation.

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References

1. BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 - Insites Consulting conducted an online quantitative survey in July 2021 in Spain, France, Germany, Poland, UK, US, Brazil, Australia, China and Russia: 1000 consumers/ country = 11,990 consumers in total. [48% gives a score of 7 or more on interest in plant-based nutrition N=11990]

2. BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021

3. BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021

4. BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 (Filter: Flexitarians (N = 2905))

5. BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 (Filter: Global Dairy Alternative Consumers & Flexitarian)

6. BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 (Filter: Global Dairy Alternative Consumers & Flexitarian)

7. BENEO Global Plant-Based Survey 2021 (Filter: Global Dairy Alternative Consumers & Flexitarian)

8. New Nutrition Business Key Trends 2023

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