Textured Vegetable Proteins: A Healthy Alternative to Conventional Animal-based Diets

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Health benefits of TVP products
• Ingenious product launches in the industry

The awareness regarding the importance of healthy diets and balanced lifestyles has increased significantly over the years, especially in the post-pandemic period. This has led to a huge growth in the consumption of protein-rich diets as they help build immunity and ensure overall wellbeing. Traditionally, animal meat and other poultry products have been the primary protein source for people across the globe. However, there has been a gradual transition toward plant-based items in recent years, thus driving the demand for textured vegetable proteins.

Surge in preference for textured vegetable proteins fueling industry growth

Textured vegetable proteins (TVP) are plant-based proteins that are processed to manufacture dry and shelf-stable products, generally in the form of granules, flakes, nuggets, and chunks. While these items can be obtained from any of the vegetables, soya, wheat, and peas are the most popular sources of texture proteins. Nutritional studies have proven that TVP products, apart from protein, are rich in magnesium, copper, thiamin, and folate. Also, they provide carbohydrates, vitamin B6, fats, fibers, and phosphates in sufficient amounts.

The growing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets has been a key driver behind the rising demand for TVP products. Also, the health benefits offered by these food items have surged their popularity in recent times. For instance, medical research has shown that a 17gm scoop of TVP granules provides around 10 grams of proteins. Regular consumption of these nutriments helps in tissue repair, muscle growth, and accelerated wound healing. Moreover, TVP flakes and chunks are good sources of fiber that help in the quick absorption of sugar from the bloodstream, thus aiding in the regulation of body glucose. These fibers also enhance the overall health of an individual’s gut microbiome, by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach.

Along with this, TVP products, especially those sourced from soybeans, aid in lowering the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. As per a research paper published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, regular intake of texture vegetable proteins drastically reduces the risk of heart diseases, thus improving overall cardiovascular health. Apart from this, the growth in demand for TVP nutriments has expanded due to the increased emphasis on vitamin intake to boost immunity in the long run. The presence of copper, magnesium, and iron in textured vegetable protein products assists in enhancing the functioning of the digestive and nervous systems. Also, these micronutrients help regulate blood sugar levels and promote nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

Innovations by leading companies creating new growth opportunities

In the past few years, the rise in investments by major businesses in the textured vegetable protein industry is expected to help the sector gather a revenue of $4.3 billion by 2035. The market accounted for $1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% during 2024-2035. Multinational conglomerates such as General Mills, PepsiCo, Valio, Kellogg, Nestle, etc., have filed patents for their innovative products, thus broadening the scope of the landscape.

At the same time, other key players have launched their products to expand their revenue share in the industry. For example, in December 2022, Royal DSM, a health and nutritional products developer, unveiled the world’s first TVP product, Vertis™ Textured Pea Canola Protein. The company, in its press release, stated that the company had conducted a survey that showed that around 73% of the respondents were ready to opt for plant-based food items if they provided enough protein. To address the demands of its consumer base, Royal DSM introduced this dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free TVP product. The company also highlighted that Vertis™ Textured Pea Canola Protein is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which aid in reducing the risk of strokes and heart-related ailments.

Similarly, in February 2024, Roquette Frères, a France-based foods company, announced the launch of four new NUTRALYS® pea protein supplements, viz., T Pea 700M (textured), Pea F853M (isolate), T Pea 700FL (textured), and H85 (hydrolysate). This expansion of the NUTRALYS® portfolio is expected to help the enterprise increase its footprint exponentially in the market.

Summing up, the rising health consciousness among people across the globe is expected to play an important role in the growth of the textured vegetable protein industry. Moreover, the various health benefits offered by these products and the increasing R&D activities by major food companies are predicted to accelerate the industry’s growth and success in the coming period.

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