Burcon NutraScience Corp (TSX:BU, NASDAQ:BRCN) and its joint venture company, Merit Functional Foods Corporation, have launched a new protein ingredient called Peazazz C pea protein.
This protein will ensure ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages have a smooth and grit-free texture, according to a release, without the chalkiness often associated with plant-based beverage applications.
Peazazz C has low viscosity, allowing food formulators to achieve a smooth, pleasant texture without sedimentation even at higher, double-digit protein inclusion levels.
READ: Burcon NutraScience says joint venture Merit Foods achieved commercialization in fiscal '22 report
“Plant-based beverages are one of the largest categories in the plant-based market. The launch of this differentiated pea protein ingredient couldn't have come at a better time when food formulators are actively seeking better ingredients to improve their formulations,” said Peter Kappel, Burcon's interim CEO in a statement.
“We expect that producing and selling Peazazz C can support Merit in increasing its market penetration in the protein ingredients space,” Kappel added.
Peazazz C is produced from yellow field peas that are Canadian-grown and produced with full traceability back to the farm, giving plant-based food and beverage brands a trusted source of plant protein. Peazazz C also has the ability to support low sodium claims in high protein applications, offering a healthier plant protein option.
“Consumers trying plant-based applications such as RTD beverages are often noticing a gritty texture, with sediment accumulated at the bottom of the bottle,” Merit's Co-CEO Ryan Bracken said.
“Peazazz C is the solution formulators have been looking for to solve this common issue. With its high solubility and low viscosity, it has the functionality that formulators need to deliver an optimal sensory experience.”
Burcon is a global technology leader in the development of plant-based proteins for foods and beverages. With over two decades of experience formulating high-purity proteins that have superior functionality, taste and nutrition, Burcon has amassed patent portfolio covering its plant-based proteins derived from peas, canola, soy, hemp, sunflower seeds, and other plant sources.
In 2019, Merit Foods was established between Burcon and three veteran food industry executives. Merit built a state-of-the-art protein production facility in Manitoba that is producing, under license from Burcon, best-in-class pea and canola proteins for the food and beverage industries.
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