New Gums, Fibers and Starches Add Function, On-Trend Appeal
The Starch Set: The proliferation of plant-based products, especially those replacing animal products, has spurred an unparalleled demand for starches, fibers, and gums.
A snapshot of plant-based products that have recently taken the market by storm includes the meat, poultry, and seafood analogs from Gardein, Inc. (now a part of Conagra Brands, Inc.); the comprehensive lines of meat and poultry analogs from Beyond Meat, Inc., and Kellogg Co.’s Morningstar Farms brand; Maple Leaf Foods, Inc.’s Lightlife line of veggie hot dogs; the Impossible Burger from Impossible Foods, Inc.; and Garden Gourmet-brand “Incredible Burger” from Nestlé SA, just launched in McDonald’s restaurants in Europe (and due to launch soon in the US as the “Awesome Burger” under the Sweet Earth brand name).
The unsung heroes of all these plant-based meat analogs? Starches, fibers, and gums.