KEY INTERVIEW: Whole Protein LENTEIN on the Cusp of US Launch, Europe to Follow

14 Apr 2015 --- US company Parabel has developed a proprietary growth and processing technique to extract a protein concentrate out of the Lemnoideae plant. The crop has a high level of protein (40%) and Parabel grows it with a yield per hectare that is higher than any other crop today – even higher than GM Soy. The resultant product, Lentein, is soy, gluten and lactose-free and non-GMO. Marketing Manager Cecilia Wittbjer spoke to FoodIngredientsFirst about this new protein ingredient.

“One of the key features of LENTEIN is that is extracted by a cold water extraction technique that keeps functionality and also nutrients in the protein,” she said. “This process keeps the protein as complete as possible.”
 
Parabel’s mix of species deliver around 40% of protein depending on where it is grown and what species that are included. The growth system is made up by lined raceways and so there is no risk of any contamination from the soil which can happen with crops that are grown in water like rice or algae.
 
“Parabel’s proprietary technology extracts the protein up to a density of 65-70% and the company is constantly working on improving this yield,” explained Wittbjer. “The next step in product development will be a lightly green version with a higher protein density. The end result of these efforts will be a completely de-greened high density (80%) protein.”
 
Parabel’s technology permits extraction of various concentrations so formulators will be able to use LENTEIN the same way as they use soy and whey today with the difference that it is soy free, gluten free, lactose free and non GMO.
 
LENTEIN is a fresh green powder that has been successfully formulated in dry-mix goods like chips, crackers, snack-mixes, bars and cereal clusters and since it is freely soluble and highly dispersible. It also mixes very well into protein powders used for sports drinks or meal replacements. The nitrogen solubility index (NSI) is 57% and the protein dispersability index (PDI) is 54%.
 
Wittbjer explained how LENTEIN can be used by food manufacturers in a variety of product formulations.
 
“Our cold water extraction process leaves all functionality in the protein and it is highly soluble,” she said. “This makes it ideal in beverages but of course we have formulated in dry mix goods as well such as chips, crackers and bars.
 
“LENTEIN is in its current form full of antioxidants and other macro and micro nutrients but we are constantly adding to our product line which means that we will be able to supply a more concentrated protein density and also a de-greened version in the near future. The ingredient will still keep its functionality but the applications might change to being a more mainstream protein ingredient going forward,” she continued.
 
The taste is “grass-like” and depending on preference, formulators can add masking agents such as chocolate or vanilla to get a more ordinary taste into the end product. The ingredient comes with a claim of “high in antioxidants” as there are high levels of beta carotene. The product also contains omega 3 fatty acids and many other micronutritients. Inclusion levels vary from around 4% for bars etc. to 15% for meal replacements but this will also change as new products are introduced. The protein would be listed as "water lentil protein concentrate" on food labels.
 
Parabel is in the process of preparing land in Uganda to grow and process this non-GMO plant near the source of the Nile. This is the result of 5 intensive years of R&D with pilot systems in locations such as Mexico, USA, China, Chile, Indonesia and Entebbe, Uganda where it has found optimal growing conditions. The company is deeply involved in the local community with good support from the government and the minister of Agriculture. The social benefits of its investment is contributing to both infrastructure and skilled employment.
 
Wittbjer spoke about the sustainability of the crop and how its daily harvesting allows manufacturers to gain more control over the supply chain: “The non-GMO crop is harvested every day which contributes to a yield that is higher than any other crop per hectare. The daily harvest also means security in that manufacturers don’t have to suffer through a ‘bad year’ which would end up changing the cost structure of their products,” she said.
 
Uganda will be Parabel’s first fully operating commercial site equipped with the latest technology and all required certifications. This site will supply up to 4,000 tons during the first year. Production will gradually increase to 16,000 tons per year for that site alone which will be replicated in other areas of the world.
 
Parabel has achieved GRAS in the US and is in the process of submitting the similar course in the EU – the Novel Foods Regulation.
 
“We are currently GRAS self-affirmed and are in the process of submitting the no objections dossier to the FDA,” said Wittbjer. “I believe that EFSA, on behalf of the EU, are dealing with the Novel Foods applications and we will go ahead with that once we have finished with the FDA. The GRAS gives us full access to the US market, but it is always prudent to get the no objections done as well.”
 
Parabel will be introducing LENTEIN at the IFT show in Chicago this July.

By Kelly Worgan & Robin Wyers