A previous version of this story misstated the ingreidents that are used to make the protein nuggets.This version has been corrected.
Dive Brief:
- DuPont Nutrition & Health is introducing three new plant-based nuggets that have a high level of protein, according to Nutrition Insight. The 90% protein nuggets are made from soy, a plant-based, high-quality protein, and have a neutral flavor and crispy, crunchy texture.
- The new nuggets will be available in a variety of textures, shapes and sizes, which makes them applicable for a wide range of products. DuPont suggests they would be ideal for use in snacks, nutrition bars, clustered cereals and toppings.
- “Consumers want products with simple ingredient statements and high protein,” Jean Heggie, strategic marketing lead with DuPont Nutrition & Health, told the publication. “These new additions to our nugget portfolio deliver on those promises while providing excellent taste, crunchy texture and strong visual appeal in nutrition bars, cereals and a range of healthy snacks.”
Dive Insight:
DuPont Nutrition & Health works with food manufacturers and producers all over the world to “make food safer, healthier, better-tasting and easier to produce.” The company calls this finding food solutions, and the latest one comes in the form of 90% protein nuggets.
The three new plant-based nuggets each have a unique shape, size and texture. Labeled as Supro Nuggets 580, Supro Nuggets 583, and Supro Nuggets 585, each can be used in a wide range of food products. DuPont reports the nut, seed and fruit nuggets will be useful in nutrition bars, clustered cereals, yogurt toppings, muesli and novel snack formats.
DuPont previously created the first 90% protein nugget, called Supro Nuggets 570. The innovative cluster has a light, crispy texture with a barrel shape. The new nuggets appear to be variations on the original, making them more applicable for a variety of recipes.
The 90% protein mark is a rather staggering amount and one reflective of the current protein trend. Research and Markets reports the global protein ingredients market is projected to reach $48.77 billion by 2025, according to Business Wire. Consumers want more protein, so DuPont is giving manufacturers an easy way to bulk up on the ingredient.
While protein interest is strong, it could suffer down the road from concerns about animal welfare and the environmental impact of raising so many animals to meet demand. With DuPont’s new protein nuggets being made of plants, it would likely become more popular if this occurred.
Alternative proteins, which don’t involve any animal product, are increasingly in demand. Algae and insect proteins garner headlines, but more humble sources of protein, such as peas, are making an impact on the market as a value add.
While protein may be oversaturating the American diet, people continue to search for cereal, coffee, ice cream and other products that flaunt a value-added protein label. Food manufacturers are noticing, and seeking out new ways to add protein to products. DuPont is hoping that it will include its new protein nuggets.