Around the world, consumers are increasingly looking for more sustainable and healthier food options. This has led many to cut down on their overall meat consumption and introduce plant-based alternatives that successfully replicate the experience they crave.

According to a 2021 report by Bloomberg Intelligence, alternative meat product retail sales could grow from $4.2 billion in 2020 to $74 billion by 2030.

Food producers have responded by offering more plant-based foods. Shoppers are now able to purchase everything from chicken nuggets to streaky bacon to salmon steaks, all made from meat-alternative ingredients.

ICL Food Specialties is a driver behind sustainability innovations like these. With more than 75 years of experience in the food industry, we offer diverse solutions that deliver plant-based proteins, buffering agents, pH adjustment, protein protection and shelf-life enhancement across multiple markets, including plant-based applications, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, beverage and bakery.

Explore some of the ways ICL Food Specialties is making the food chain more sustainable while helping food manufacturers meet consumer demand.

Vegan and vegetarian applications

Many consumers are lessening their ecological footprint by reducing meat consumption and switching to meatless alternatives. Plant-based protein sources consume less water and produce less CO2 compared to the production of conventional animal protein, making them a more sustainable food choice with fewer consequences to the environment. Our plant-based solutions that fuel meat and cheese alternatives allow food manufacturers to provide the taste and texture consumers want while lowering the impact on the earth and the providing the health benefits that comes from a plant-based diet.

ICL’s technical experts developed ROVITARIS® Alternative Protein Solutions, a portfolio of solutions that provide meat-like texture with no off flavors. ROVITARIS enables the manufacturing of vegetable-based proteins that are virtually indistinguishable from traditional meat products in appearance, flavor and texture. The versatility of these proteins allows manufacturers to apply this technology in a wide variety of applications, including burgers, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, meatballs and sausages. And, they can be used on standard food processing equipment, making it easier and less costly for food manufacturers looking to expand their plant-based and flexitarian offerings.

The natural color and fibrous meat-like texture of ROVITARIS’ wet fibers perfectly suits white meat or seafood alternative applications to create succulent vegan chicken nuggets or fish sticks. Its dry texturates provide a mouthfeel that mimics ground meat products, creating delicious hamburgers, meatballs or taco meat. Its plant-based emulsion systems provide the clean flavor and snappy bite consumers expect from traditional meat-based hot dogs, sausages and deli meat.

We also apply our expertise to plant-based beverage and dairy applications. Through our BEKAPLUS® and JOHA® solutions, food manufacturers are able to achieve a smooth, creamy texture in dairy alternative applications and beverages that is similar to traditional dairy products.  Our food scientists have developed protoypes ranging from indulgent oat milk soft serve applications to spicy plant-based pepper jack cheese alternatives as we support our customers with innovative solutions.

As an added benefit, all our plant-based solutions are non-GMO, Kosher, Halal and allergen free, so they appeal to a wide number of consumers.

Through our relentless focus on making plant-based foods even more healthful and delicious, we’re also a driving force behind a sustainable food chain. Food manufacturers and consumers alike are clamoring for vegan and vegetarian foods with a lower ecological footprint – and ICL Food Specialties delivers the solutions that makes that possible.