Chickpea texturized protein that isn’t highly processed offers an industry first for plant-based meat, company says: SupplySide West 2021 preview

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Israel-based chickpea protein supplier InnovoPro will debut what it says is the first ever chickpea-based texturized vegetable protein (TVP) at the SupplySide West trade show in October. Made from a combination of chickpea and pea proteins, the ingredient “enables food manufacturers to develop much better meat analogue products, such as hamburgers, nuggets, and meatballs,” the firm says.

The new extruded chickpea TVP is based on chickpea protein concentrate. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-allergenic. The company says it provides a better taste and texture than “traditional highly processed plant-based alternatives,” enabling companies to create clean-label products using fewer and healthier ingredients while still retaining good taste and texture.

In a press release, the company said: “InnovoPro’s textured chickpea protein was created to close that gap and create products that focus on nutritious non-allergenic ingredients that have an unmatched neutral taste and fibrous texture that is similar to real meat.”

In the press release, company CEO Taly Nechushtan stated, “The launch of InnovoPro’s TVP is a game-changing innovation for the fast-growing meat analogue market because it allows companies to create consumer-favorite foods, clean labeled, with a great-tasting, nutritious superfood ingredient that is rich in protein and has a desirable amino acids combination. This product is also sustainable and better for the environment than previous meat alternatives, which is why we're proud and thrilled to share this exciting new venture with our consumers."

InnovoPro already has experience in the meat analogue space. The company’s existing chickpea protein, CP Pro 70, is featured in what InnovoPro says is the “world’s first line of dairy-free chickpea yogurts” from Switzerland retail company Migros.