Plant-Based Protein Powder Development for Innovative Products

With the help of Prinova’s formulation experts, this brand was able to create a breakthrough product that reached a superior level of nutrition and sensory experience among plant-based proteins.

Consumer demand for plant-based products is increasing, driven both by potential health and wellness benefits as well as environmental and ethical concerns. However, creating plant-based alternatives to whey protein-based solutions can be tricky. 

One brand recognised a problem existed with plant-based protein powder development: Though they used plant-based ingredients, they didn’t achieve the same nutritional profile as whey-based products.  

As such, there existed a clear market opportunity to create a plant-based protein RTM powder product that delivered a similar nutritional profile to a whey-protein based product, and also a similar mouthfeel and neutral flavour.  

To achieve these goals, the brand chose to rely on Prinova’s deep understanding of organic plant proteins and formulation expertise.

With many years of experience applying these popular ingredients in sports and lifestyle nutrition, the Prinova team knew exactly how to develop a customised blend that would meet the customer’s requirements.  

By combining several plant proteins together, the formula provided the optimum amino acid and nutritional profile, resulting in a protein powder that had a top-tier protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1.  

Plant proteins commonly present a number of challenges, including strong flavours and gritty textures. To address these issues, Prinova sourced a combination of natural ingredients to provide a dairy-like mouthfeel and natural taste, without using any dairy- or animal-derived ingredients.

These efforts resulted in a great tasting, nutritionally superior finished product that stood out from competitors in the market. 

By achieving the desirable plant-based label claim, and with a higher standard of nutrition and sensory experience than typical plant-based protein powders, this unique product resonated strongly with consumers and was a big win for the brand.