- Burcon’s (BU) joint venture company, Merit Functional Foods, announced significant innovation in a 100 per cent protein-based solution
- It replaces methylcellulose, a synthetic ingredient widely used in food and meat alternatives
- It also contributes to the total protein content with the potential to add several grams of protein per serving
- Burcon is a global technology leader in developing plant-based proteins for food and beverages
- Burcon Nutrascience Corporation (BU) is up 17.57 per cent, trading at C$0.87 per share at 2:40 pm ET
Burcon’s (BU) joint venture company, Merit Functional Foods, announced significant innovation in a 100 per cent protein-based solution.
Merit Functional Foods has developed an innovation utilizing its non-GMO Peazazz pea protein as part of a 100 per cent protein-based clean label solution. It replaces methylcellulose, a synthetic ingredient widely used in food and meat alternatives.
Peter H. Kappel, interim CEO and Chairman of the board for Burcon, commented on the news.
“We are very pleased with Merit’s latest innovative protein-based solution. It has the potential to disrupt a $1.96 billion methylcellulose market. The food industry has long been searching for a suitable methylcellulose replacement. Peazazz, derived from Burcon’s proprietary technology, has superior functionality and high purity. It provides unique opportunities within the food and beverage industries.”
When used as part of Merit’s methylcellulose-free solution, its non-GMO Peazazz pea protein affords plant-based formulators a clean label option. It contributes to the total protein content with the potential to add several grams of protein per serving, depending on the product.
The Peazazz-based methylcellulose-free solution provides key sensory and functionality attributes, assisting in creating superior plant-based products for Merit’s customers. These include a neutral-flavour profile, meat-like texture, good water binding & emulsification properties, and exceptional gelling properties. Merit expects that its unique protein-based solution will be suitable for replacing methylcellulose in applications such as plant-based burgers, hot dogs, sausages and more.
Ryan Bracken, Co-CEO of Merit Functional Foods, also provided his comments.
“We are motivated by the potential this innovation has uncovered for formulators. We’ve heard from our customers the challenges of removing methylcellulose. Now Merit provides them an opportunity to finally eliminate it from their products with our functional pea protein – Peazazz. There’s also an added benefit of enhanced protein claims and a delicious sensory profile that’s on par with traditional products.”
Merit is currently collaborating with brands looking to develop the next generation of clean label plant-based meat applications.
Burcon is a global technology leader in developing plant-based proteins for food and beverages.
Burcon Nutrascience Corporation (BU) is up 17.57 per cent, trading at C$0.87 per share at 2:40 pm ET.
