5 Companies Producing the Protein Isolates Behind the New Fava Bean-Based Alternatives – vegconomist

Today, we look into five companies creating protein isolates from fava beans for plant-based alternatives and other foods.

Pulses are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of plant-based diets and fava beans are said to be highly nutritious, containing 18-35% protein, including lysine, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and high levels of folate. This year, scientists from the University of Helsinki discovered the ideal fava bean blend for producing delicious plant-based meat.

The plant Vicia faba and its beans are praised for their health benefits and environmental sustainability. The crops naturally fixate nitrogen in the soil, eliminating the need for nitrogen fertilizers, and making them an ideal rotational crop. The plants are also more tolerant of temporary flooding than lentils or peas.

The following companies have invested millions to tap into the nutrition of these noble beans, one of the oldest legumes consumed by humans, and propel fava bean-based innovations.

1. Roquette

Plant-based ingredients leader Roquette will present NUTRALYS Fava S900M, a 90% protein-rich faba bean protein isolate, at Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.

NUTRALYS Fava S900M is said to offer superior functionality and versatility. It stands out from other plant proteins in terms of high gel strength, viscosity control, and stability under varying conditions. It has multiple applications in plant-based food: dairy, chicken or fish alternatives, ready-to-drink yogurts, and baked goods.

At Roquette’s booth, attendees can taste a protein-powered plant-based dessert made with the new fava bean protein. Other prototypes featuring the company’s NUTRIOSE fibers and other NUTRALYS proteins include a tomato, feta, and herb savory cake, plant-based tacos with high-fiber tortillas, and lemon-flavored algal-based DHA gummies for convenient omega-3 consumption.

The event coincides with the announcement that Roquette has been shortlisted for a Fi Innovation Award in the Diversity & Inclusion Innovation category, indicating a commitment to gender diversity.

2. Bunge

Bunge has introduced pea and fava protein concentrates to complement its existing soy protein concentrate line. The new ingredients are said to be non-GMO, light in color, and finely powdered, offering 55-70% protein on a dry basis. They are suitable for multiple food applications, boosting protein content with allergen-free labeling.

Golden Fields, an agricultural company and leading dry miller of pea and fava beans in Europe will produce exclusively for Bunge at a newly constructed factory in Liepaja, Latvia. According to Bunge, the production process relies on crop rotation practices and dry-fractionation methods that do not require water or solvents. In addition, a network of local farmers across the region provides the inputs, reducing transportation emissions.

3. Lantmännen

The Swedish cooperative Lantmännen announced a SEK 1.2 billion (€105M) pea and fava protein facility in Lidköping, Sweden. Expected to be operational by Q2 2027, the plant can produce 7,000 tonnes of pea and fava protein isolates annually to cater to the growing demand for nutritious plant-based foods.

With a production area of 5,300 square meters, the plant is expected to process approximately 5,000 tonnes of fava beans annually and 35,000 tonnes of peas. The plant will create approximately 30 new jobs directly, plus hundreds of additional opportunities during the plant’s construction phase.

4. Wide Open Agriculture

Australia’s Wide Open Agriculture has adapted its proprietary extraction process to produce pea and fava protein isolates. WOA’s technology was initially developed to produce a lupin protein isolate, called Buntine Protein.

The new isolates were developed in WOA’s R&D laboratory, aiming at improved gel strength, solubility, and reduced viscosity compared to traditional protein isolates. The company offers the new ingredients directly to the food industry and provides contract manufacturing services for European producers of peas and fava beans.

5. Protein Industries Canada

Protein Industries Canada announced a new $7.7 million project this July to advance the development of pea and fava protein ingredients for plant-based meat and other foods.

Consortium participants, Lovingly Made Flour Mills, TMRW Foods, and Dutton Farms, will focus on optimizing ingredient processing and developing the meat alternatives with improved affordability, nutrition, and consistency.

The project aims to add value to Canadian pea and fava crops, creating a value-chain loop that strengthens the domestic ingredient manufacturing industry and captures new economic opportunities for Canada.

“Projects like this are expanding the supply and diversity of plant-based products both here in Canada and abroad while supporting an increased selection of healthy, sustainable food options for consumers,” stated the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.