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By Alice McFarlane

Snack ingredient alternatives

Developing ingredients for new snack and food options

Feb 27, 2024 | 3:57 PM

The creation of new food products from agricultural crops could open new doors for allergy-sensitive individuals.

The ingredients created by Avena Foods will refine specialty-milled oat and pulse flours, while also creating specialty milled pulse grits, meals and flours. These minimally processed ingredients will be used to reformulate and develop new consumer-ready food products that are nutritious and made from clean-label and sustainably sourced oats and pulses.

For companies Old Dutch, Danone Canada, and Big Mountain Foods, several ingredients would be replaced with allergy-friendly alternatives.

This project will see $19.2 million invested into research and development related to ingredient manufacturing and the creation of new food products. Protein Industries Canada (PIC) is investing $7.3 million.

PIC CEO Bill Greuel said ingredient manufacturing is an untapped economic opportunity for Canada.

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“This project is an example of what is possible when we take our widely available Canadian crops such as pulses and oats to create new ingredients and food,” Greuel said. “With the scale-up of ingredient processing, we can produce ingredients with enhanced functionality that can better meet the demand of consumers when it comes to taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.”

The reformulated products could be used for yogurt, plant-based beverages and creamers, veggie links, cutlets, pastries, fillings, and alternative non-soy/non-fava tofu products.

Big Mountain Foods COO Jasmine Byrne said they are poised to revolutionize the culinary landscape by crafting offerings tailored to the diverse needs of large institutions, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, restaurants, universities, and beyond.

“This expansion not only showcases our commitment to innovation but also underlines our dedication to providing wholesome, plant-based solutions that redefine the standards of nourishment in institutional settings,” she said.

Danone Canada’s Pierre Morin explained the mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

“This collaboration will facilitate access to cutting-edge technology in plant-based ingredient production allowing us to continue delivering on our promise of offering innovative and quality options for consumers,” Morin said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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