Meat substitutes require a variety of texturizers, stabilizers and gelling agents to create the meat-like texture, juiciness and binding. Some ingredients fell out of favor due to labeling and some like Citri-Fi® citrus fiber can clean up the label and enhance the quality when formulating meat substitutes.
Formulating meat substitutes has been an on-going challenge for every plant-based food producer. For instance, consumers expect the foods to taste exactly like animal-based products. Without that parity, consumers skip the re-purchase and gravitate back to their beloved fleshy bits. Though meat substitute products come close to their animal counterparts, they still fall short in taste and texture.
To create a meat substitute requires plant-based ingredients. For example, product developers use a protein base in addition to texturizers, stabilizers, and gelling agents. This hodgepodge of ingredients are needed to create the firm meat-like texture, succulence and binding. At the same time, consumers criticize not only the lengthy ingredient decks but the ingredients themselves. As a result, this opens up opportunity for more clean and natural options.
Fiberstar, Inc. offers a portfolio of natural citrus fibers which address the category's requirements. The key citrus fibers include Citri-Fi TX and Citri-Fi 100, 400 (organic) and 600 series. Below are articles and videos that provide guidance when formulating meat substitutes using citrus fiber.
Plant-based Foods Trends: Meat Substitutes are Still Hot
Though the market activity slowed down, developers continue to push out new and/or reformulated meat alternative foods.
BLOG: Natural Products Expo Trends: Plant-based Meat Formulations & Dairy Alternatives
Creating the Meat-like Texture in Plant-based Meats
The meat-like texture is signature to animal-based food products. As a result, meat alternatives need to simulate that firmness and chew. Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber is a large coarse granule that when used between 1 and 4% with a plant-based protein, enhances the meaty chew that consumers expect.
BLOG: Fiberstar, Inc. Launches a New Texturizing Citrus Fiber - Citri-Fi® TX
BLOG: New Meat Alternative Ingredients: Top 5 FAQ About Citri-Fi® TX Citrus Fiber
Formulating Meat Substitutes: Using the Citri-Fi Portfolio
In addition to Citri-Fi TX texturizing citrus fiber, Fiberstar also offers the Citri-Fi 100, 400 and 600 series. The 100 series is the flagship citrus fiber that provides both water holding and emulsification at less than 2% usage. The citrus fiber's composition binds the oil and water to generate the juiciness and succulence. The 400 series is USDA certified organic. And the neutral flavored 600 series provides additional viscosity which can be used at higher levels versus the 100 series. Both meat-like texture and juiciness can be achieved by using both the TX and the 100, 400 or 600 series together.
BLOG: Meat Substitute Foods: Creating Clean Labels using Citrus Fiber
BLOG: Meat Alternatives and Citrus Fiber FAQ
Video: How to: Making Meat Alternatives using Citrus Fiber
Clean Label Ingredients for Plant-based Meats
Because consumers scrutinize food labels, certain food ingredients like methylcellulose fell out of favor. This workhorse ingredient dominates the meat analog formulating world due to its functionality. Though there is no one-to-one replacement option yet, some products like citrus fiber may aid in creating clean label meat-free patties, sausages and hot dogs.
VIDEO: Citri-Fi® Citrus Fiber Creates Natural Meat Alternatives
If you have additional questions about formulating meat substitutes, please contact us. The technical team is available to support you.
