At this year’s Fi Europe in Frankfurt, sister companies Hydrosol and Planteneers are presenting exciting new products for the growth categories snacking, hybrid products, and functional drinks. High protein and clean label* solutions round out the offerings. Show attendees can check out these new developments in person at the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe booth No. 31K56.
Hybrid Solutions: The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid products are gaining steadily in consumer acceptance. And with good reason – they offer the accustomed flavor and consistency of meat, fish, and dairy products, but with better cost structure, and added nutritional or functional benefits. Functional systems from Hydrosol and Planteneers provide manufacturers with a broad base of individual solutions. At Fi Europe the two sister companies are presenting hybrid cabanossi sausages that feature flexible meat reduction of up to 50 percent. They are protein-rich, sources of fiber, and contain less saturated fatty acids. There are also new hybrid meatballs that likewise supply protein and fiber. By reducing the meat content to 70 percent, they enable attractive pricing structures in view of the current high beef prices. The functional systems for these meatballs allow for clean label* recipes as well, and can also be used for other formats and flavor profiles, including burgers, cevapcici, ground meat, cold cuts, and chicken products.
For modern one-hand snacking there are hybrid kebab balls with dip already integrated into the product. They come ready to eat and taste good cold or hot. The balls can be offered in clean label* varieties with high protein and fiber content, with the macronutrients advertised on the packaging.
Functional Drinks: Beverages With More
Another new product is a hybrid solution for milk-based drinks. It lets manufacturers replace some of the milk protein with plant protein. With it, dairies can make a high protein drink that meets consumer wishes largely independently of milk protein availability and costs. The drink is a great basis for meal replacement beverages, and can be individually upgraded with suitable micronutrient premixes.
Hydrosol and Planteneers are addressing the “Mood Food & Mental Wellness” trend in cooperation with sister companies SternVitamin and OlbrichtArom, with a relaxing new drink for breaks during the day. This creamy almond-cinnamon flavor beverage is made of lactose-free milk and oats. It has the same protein content as whole milk and supplies natural calcium. A premix from SternVitamin adds magnesium and vitamins B1, B6, and B12, which contribute to normal functioning of the muscles and nervous system.
For modern lifestyles, Hydrosol, Planteneers, and SternVitamin have developed a fermented high-protein beverage. This plant-enriched drink combines milk and plant proteins and is fortified with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins D, B6, and B12. With 20 g protein per 230 ml portion, it’s the ideal supplement for meals featuring small portions and high nutritional density. The drink requires no gelatine and can also be made in a low-fat version. Its fruity-fresh flavor rounds out an indulgent experience.
Snacking 2.0: The New Plant-Based Generation
Snacking is increasingly replacing conventional mealtimes, and protein-rich snacks are among the fastest-growing snack categories. Planteneers has developed several solutions to meet these trends. The new Culinary Balls are a real highlight; with them Planteneers has realized a whole new product category. Each combines up to three components: A juicy or soft base, an aromatic filling, and a crispy coating. The concept offers plenty of freedom in terms of flavor. From savory Mediterranean to sweet-and-savory products to fermented flavors like pumpkin-kimchi, it’s all about surprising taste sensations. Culinary Balls can be enjoyed hot or cold.
In the high protein snacks space Planteneers has developed a plant-based alternative to beef jerky with 26 g protein per 100 g. It features an authentic fibrous jerky texture and an appealing bite. What’s more, it needs no cooling and is declaration-friendly*. For those preferring something sweet, the new mango bars are modern alternatives to classic confections. They combine trendy dried fruit with plant protein and contain no added sugar. The clean label* products can be made in different flavors and formats, for example as bars, strips, or balls.
As a plant-based alternative to chicken breast filet, Planteneers offers a mycoprotein version. Mycoprotein has an attractive amino acid profile and gives an authentic, fibrous texture and a juicy bite. The final products come with a crispy breading and can be conveniently prepared in an air fryer. The flexible functional system allows for various kinds of coatings, marinades, and formats, from burgers and nuggets to filets.
With a new functional system for cold cuts, raw ham, and pastrami, Planteneers is presenting the next generation of plant-based charcuterie. The system is designed for clean label* products that feature high protein content, and lets producers dial in an authentic fibrous structure, color, and flavor as desired. Many different varieties are possible, for example with pepper coating, inclusions, and different formats. Attendees at Fi Europe in Frankfurt can learn all about these and other new products at the companies’ shared booth No. 31K56.
*Planteneers and Hydrosol define “clean label” and “without additives” as formulations that are entirely free of declarable E-numbers and certain additives like preservatives, flavor enhancers, or added flavors. The formulations can contain natural flavors or seasoning mixes.
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