Increasing innovation across the baking, patisserie and chocolate sectors

As the plant protein sector grows, so do the number of innovative end products available to consumers around the world. Bakery, patisserie and chocolate are proving to be areas of high-growth opportunity, with an increasing number of ingredient manufacturers and food processors investing in the ingredients needed to bring the products to grocery store shelves.

Puratos has been focused on such product development for over 100 years, since 1919. It helps customers around the world fill their bakery, patisserie and chocolate products with plant-based ingredients that don’t sacrifice taste or quality. Most often, this includes replacing ingredients that are traditionally derived from animal sources.

“One of the main challenges our customers face is replacing butter, eggs, and milk with non-dairy alternatives,” said Puratos Vice President of Research & Development Julie Istead. “At Puratos, we have a range of substitutes for your vegan baking and patisserie needs that can help you meet consumer demand for plant-based goods as well as offer an array of additional benefits from improved convenience, hygiene, and sustainability throughout the production process.”

Demand for these ingredients is high. According to Puratos’ Taste Tomorrow research:

• 63% of consumers agree that plant-based food has a positive impact on the environment compared to animal-based food;
• 58% believe that plant-based food is healthier than animal-based food; and
• 57% agree that plant-based food is more natural.

Ensuring their products meet these consumer expectations has been key to Puratos’ success. Istead said an important element in doing so is collaboration with other companies, including a project through Protein Industries Canada with Burcon NutraScience and HPS Food & Ingredients, announced in March 2024. At the same time, partnerships with companies outside of Protein Industries Canada projects, at both ends of the value chain, are just as valuable.

“Strategic partnerships with companies such as Everspring Farms, a leader in sprouted grains and regenerative farming, have allowed us to provide plant-based solutions that improve the nutritional profile of our customers’ products while satisfying consumer demand for plant-based solutions,” Istead explained.

By continuing with these collaborative partnerships while focusing on the product development that made them the international company they are today, Puratos will be able to achieve its ultimate goal: creating innovative foods and ingredients that help move the planet forward and improve the health and well-being of people everywhere.