Plant Based Nutrition
YEAST, A SOURCE OF ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN
Consumer interest in non-meat-based protein options is increasing globally, especially in countries with economic wealth. Meat has been the main source of protein in developed markets for years. However, due in part to health and environmental concerns as well as animal welfare, consumer behavior is changing: the interest in alternative protein sources has made way for growth in the alternative proteins market.
Yeast has been used to prepare meals for human nutrition for centuries. Just consider its application in bread leavening, wine, and beer making. Inactivated yeast (aka nutritional yeast or “nooch”) has been widely adopted, especially by vegan and vegetarian consumers, as a complement to their preferred diets.
Yeast is a microbe, and as a single cell protein (SCP) it relies on fermentation technology. From a food supply perspective in the context of food security, yeast protein is a very interesting alternative protein as its production is independent of the season and can be obtained in a fairly short time. The production of SCP in controlled systems called “bioreactors” is receiving increasing attention from research and industry. Single cell protein has low arable land requirements and does not directly compete with crop-based food commodities.
The nutritional yeast Engevita® and the Torula-based specialties Toravita® provide a dependable, natural source of fiber and high-quality protein. Yeast protein is a complete protein, containing all essential and branched-chain amino acids.
Graphic: Reference IAA pattern (FAO)
SAA: Sulfur Amino Acid – Methionine and Cysteine; AAA Aromatic Amino Acid: Phenylalanine and Tyrosine
Not everybody is aware of the great potential of using inactive yeast in food products as a natural, plant-based, and sustainable source of protein!
Engevita® HiPRO Beyond is a very mildly
flavored yeast protein containing all essential
and branched chain amino acids. It is a source of
high quality, gluten free, vegan protein. It is allergen-free and non-GMO.
Engevita® HiPRO Beyond is suitable for a wide range of plant-based food and health applications including protein bars, a popular, portable snack.
The very mild flavor of Engevita® HiPRO Beyond makes it
easily adaptable and customizable to your products.