It remains unclear how important insect protein will become in food and nutrition rather than animal feed markets, beyond what can still probably be characterised as novelty applications. At Frost & Sullivan, Sharma reports that many companies are launching insect protein powders for the production of bars and bakery more broadly. “In terms of their nutrition profile, insects are a good source of high-quality protein, fat and even vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal alternative to animal proteins for sports nutrition,” she says, adding that much will depend on consumer acceptance. Where the greatest plant protein opportunities lie geographically is an interesting question. In terms of regulatory barriers, and in the light of Frost & Sullivan forecasts, the APAC region might seem to offer the most openings. But for Prinova, Europe appears most promising in terms of the amount of NPD focusing on protein supplementation, and in the diversity of those applications.
Beans offer protein alternatives to soybean and pea protein
Such opportunities go well beyond sports and meal replacement, according to Frost & Sullivan. “Apart from sports nutrition, growth is expected from product designed for seniors and medical nutritional products,” Sharma says. Another large question mark dangles over infant nutrition, and specifically infant formula, where new-generation blends of plant protein could replace more traditional sources, both dairy and plant-based. “Soy is widely used in infant nutrition, especially in the United States, where there is a good market for soy-based infant formulas,” Sharma reports. “However, due to potential allergic reactions to soy, infant nutrition is now eyeing alternative sources like pea and rice protein.” Some are cautious, pointing out the need for exhaustive R&D on any alternative formulations and underlining that at this critical life-stage the issues not only of organoleptic and overall nutritional profile but also bioavailability are more important than ever. Janow stresses the manufacturing challenges in this connection: “While companies such as Abbott are working on new plant-based infant formulas, they’re moving more slowly, due to strict specifications—including on microorganisms—that manufacturers will have to establish dedicated, scaled-up production lines to meet.”
Whether for infant, sports or other specialist adult nutrition, developments in plant proteins continue to strengthen their position in the NPD armoury. As Craig at CISN says: “We don’t necessarily have to get hung up on the plant-based aspect. We
do need to get hung up on quality—from whatever source it is.” It appears that brand-owners in certain nutrition categories have already convinced themselves that these
ingredients are here for the long-haul, and worth investing in—and increasing numbers of consumers seem to agree.