Cambridge Commodities expands plant-based range with chickpea and fava bean proteins

27 Aug 2020 --- Cambridge Commodities has launched two new additions to its popular ProEarth range of plant-based proteins: ProEarth Fava Bean 88 percent Protein and ProEarth Chickpea 70 percent Protein. The new ProEarth Fava Bean and Chickpea standalone blends are developed to provide manufacturers with an array of options suited to their own product lines.

“Chickpea is the standout flavor, subtle and nutty and can diversify and differentiate within product ranges. Hemp is also very palatable with a nutty undertone and an earthiness,” Zeke Stevens, Product Innovation Specialist at Cambridge Commodities, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. “All of the other products within the range have varying organoleptic properties that are suited for different applications.”

ProEarth plant-based proteins are marketed as clean label, often allergen-free and easily digestible due to their fiber content.

“Some examples of functionality include the properties of the very high-protein fava bean, which allow us to pack in protein with smaller inclusions. This has many benefits like keeping costs down and allowing higher inclusions of other blend components. Others, like our pea protein, have been carefully selected for their solubility. This provides excellent mixing capabilities in powder blend applications.”

ProEarth plant-based proteins are marketed as clean label, often allergen-free and easily digestible due to their fiber content. “The use of artificial additives is definitely shied away from, as consumers are constantly looking for cleaner products and the demand is rising. Luckily our knowledge of the functionalities within our range allows us to provide solutions,” says Stevens.

A growing market
The plant-based protein market has grown considerably in recent years. The number of people choosing to follow or incorporate more plant-based options into their diet is growing and according to Innova Market Insights, 57 percent of global consumers are actively seeking alternative protein sources. 

This phenomenon led to a 92 percent growth in sales of plant protein products in 2019, and the global plant protein market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8 percent to reach an estimated value of US$13.7 billion by 2021. In light of this, Innova Market Insights pegged “The Plant-Based Revolution” as one of its Top Ten Trends for 2020.

“As the demand for plant-based proteins continues to grow, not only in volume but also in diversity, Cambridge Commodities is committed to expanding its range of ProEarth products to meet any formulation, regulatory and format challenges – whatever they may be,” concludes Stevens.

By Benjamin Ferrer