Solae: Protein takes ‘evolutionary step’ with new ingredient

Talking to FoodNavigator-USA.com at the IFT Food Expo in Anaheim, Paul Vadja, director of global business development, said the ingredient marks an ‘evolutionary step’ forward in soy proteins.

Previously, the use of soy in beverages was limited by undesirable effects on taste and thickness, but the proprietary technology behind the new ingredient, called Supro XF, lower the levels of soy volatiles for a less beany and bitter flavor, said the St. Louis, Missouri-based company.

“Supro XF is unique in that it can take food products to new levels of soy protein content and deliver great taste at the same time,”​ said Jon McIntyre, senior vice president of Solae Technology and Innovation. “It provides exceptional flavor and functional performance in addition to nutritional benefits for high-protein beverages.”​

The company is eyeing beverage applications in sports performance, weight management and clinical nutrition segments, where previously soy was not used as the sole protein source. “Now soy can be all of the protein in these kinds of beverages,”​ said Vajda. Indeed, the company said that Supro XF can deliver a positive taste experience at the 30 gram protein per 12 ounce serving level.

The ingredient will be priced competitively, said Vajda, and lower than dairy proteins. The ingredient is not intended as competition to dairy, he added, noting that Solae studies have shown that, when combined with dairy in a beverage, consumers preferred this two-to-one over the leading commercial brand.

“As the industry leader, Solae is invested in strong science-based research and development strategies, and continues to invest in health and nutrition”​ said Torkel Rhenman, CEO -- Solae. “This enables us to develop exciting new ingredients, such as Supro XF, that deliver quality, great-tasting products for our customers and the end consumer.”​

Approval has been granted in the US and the EU, said Vajda, while it is now available to customers in the United States.