Keep plant-based meat alternatives safe & fresh with Kemin

In recent years, we have noticed an increasing trend towards label-friendly products where health, ethics and environmental factors play an important role in the consumer’s choice. As part of this trend, more and more consumers are replacing meat with plant-based protein alternatives.

At Kemin, we have a range of high-quality products suitable for alternative protein sources. Moreover, we continue investing in studies to meet the expectations of the future consumer.

Flexitarianism is booming
Many consumers want to reduce meat intake while maintaining protein consumption. They are substituting meat with plant-based alternatives that offer a taste and texture similar to meat. Euromonitor meat alternative market data reflect rapid growth, indicating the retail value of plant-based meat will grow with 42% in Europe in the next 3 years, reaching a value of € 2,3 billion.

From soy and peas to … insects
The protein source is the key differentiator amongst new meat substitutes on the market, especially for label reading consumers looking for healthier food options. Soy remains the most common protein followed by peas. But also, protein from insects, eggs, hemp, wheat, beans, and mushrooms are often mixed to attain a unique flavour and texture.

Blending techniques, which combine various plant proteins of different origins in such a way that the final product’s amino acid profile is virtually identical to that of animal proteins, is going to become standard practice in vegetarian packaged foods.

Rather refrigerated than frozen
Consumers demand for ready-to-eat plant-based meat alternatives – take vegan beef patties, for example - that can be kept in the fridge for a longer period. They bypass frozen products in favour of new refrigerated options that are convenient and easy to prepare. Consumers and retailers have a desire for natural solutions that offer clear and transparent labelling. They look for recognisable ingredients they can trust.

Protecting product integrity is essential to ensure taste and meat-like texture remain intact. Kemin offers solutions for these challenges.

Oxidative rancidity and microbial spoilage
Kemin’s product range consists of natural, label-friendly and organic solutions that meet the consumers’ expectations for their (alternative) protein sources.

BactoCEASE NV inhibits microbial spoilage
This buffered vinegar solution BactoCEASE NV is made with natural ingredients and it protects meat alternatives like vegetable burgers from microbial spoilage while offering a balanced flavour profile.

A recent study in refrigerated vegan beef patties stored in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) demonstrates that BactoCEASE NV Dry can delay microbial growth in this matrix.

Oxidative stability with NaturFORT
The rosemary and green tea blend NaturFORT has proven to consistently lower the levels of primary and secondary products in vegan beef patties. It’s a versatile solution that assists these convenient, plant-based products in staying fresh and appealing.

Fat oxidation and enzymatic browning

Many meat substitutes and plant-based protein products contain high doses of fats and oils. These fats can cause oxidation over time, which will ultimately lead to sensory issues such as odour, colour and taste. Our rosemary extract and gallic acid blend FORTIUM® RG20 Liquid is designed for maximum effectiveness against colour and flavour degradation in fats, oils and fried foods

Enzymatic browning is the chemical process occurring when sliced vegetables are exposed to oxygen, leading to browning on the surface which decreases the quality. FORTIUM A Dry acerola extract and FORTIUM RG20 Liquid postpone the oxidation and help maintain the sensory qualities of these plant-based ingredients, increasing their shelf life.

Fried meat analogues

There is a trend towards healthier vegetable oils which have a shorter frying life. FORTY-FRY™ is a natural antioxidant consisting of tocopherols, innovative emulsifiers and specialty oils that significantly extends the frying life of oil - at least up to 25% - by preventing the formation of undesirable compounds and off-flavours. The label-friendly solution also ensures foaming reduction and provides an optimal heat transfer which results in even browning of the food from the first batch onwards.


Kemin continuously invests in new innovative solutions to respond to these emerging food markets, providing support to the products of flexitarian and vegetarian lifestyles and helping to make the world more sustainable every step of the way.

About Kemin Industries
Kemin Industries is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80% of the world with its products and services. Recently, the company highlighted consumer-friendly solutions that help producers maintain taste and texture of refrigerated, plant-based meat alternatives stored in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP).


Media contact: KELLY DE VADDER, Marketing Director, [email protected]





Disclaimer: Product allowance and labelling may differ based upon government requirements. Certain statements may not be applicable in all geographical regions.

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