DSM launches canola protein ingredient for plant-based innovation after ten years of R&D

24 Nov 2022 --- DSM has unveiled Vertis CanolaPRO, a high-quality canola protein isolate. The move marks over a decade of R&D at the company, which has “unlocked protein from canola seeds and producing it at scale for the food industry.”

Canola seeds, also known as rapeseeds, are one of the world’s few available plant sources of complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids required for good health.

Vertis CanolaPRO will allow F&B producers to develop plant-based products that offer complete proteins and are free from major allergens.

Eye on protein
According to DSM, an estimated 30% of consumers in major markets identify as flexitarian. However, not all consumers of plant-based products are satisfied with the options on the market, which some perceive as falling short in terms of taste, texture or health, they stress.  

“Good source of protein” is the number one reason consumers in the US look for when buying plant-based products.In particular, consumers are scrutinizing the labels of plant-based foods and beverages they buy and looking for high-quality complete protein products.

“Good source of protein” is the number one claim  consumers in the US look for when buying plant-based products. 

At the same time, consumers avoid allergens such as soy, gluten, and dairy, with 40% of US consumers purchasing food with an allergen- or intolerance-related label last year.  

Vertis CanolaPRO increases protein levels in plant-based food and beverages and does not contain major allergens. 

Vertis CanolaPRO is highly complementary to proteins from legumes and cereals and fills in gaps in essential amino acids when used as part of a protein blending strategy. Vertis CanolaPRO also has a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1, on par with soy or whey, and a high digestibility score (DIAAS ≥ 100). 

The functional benefits of Vertis CanolaPRO improve the bite and texture of meat and fish alternatives and create a smoother mouthfeel in dairy alternatives and performance nutrition products. 

Vertis CanolaPRO is produced from canola meal, a co-product of canola/rapeseed oil production. The ingredient has a small carbon footprint and requires no additional arable land for its production. It is also produced in a proprietary process with minimal water use, low temperatures and no solvents. Vertis CanolaPRO is made in a joint venture with Avril Group, a processor and financer in France’s vegetable oils and proteins sector, at a newly constructed facility in Dieppe.

“With the launch of Vertis CanolaPRO alongside our legume-based offering, we are establishing a key portfolio of healthy and sustainable plant proteins that positions us as a go-to innovation partner for the plant-based market,” says Patrick Niels, executive vice president of Food & Beverage at DSM. 

New positioning for Vertis plant proteins
DSM is also unveiling a differentiating positioning and campaign for its Vertis plant protein portfolio.

The portfolio includes plant protein concentrates and textured vegetable proteins based on peas and fava beans, which DSM acquired with Vestkorn Milling in 2021, with more proteins and solutions in the pipeline. 

Vertis plant proteins offer an alternative on the market for high-quality, sustainably-produced plant proteins. The Vertis plant protein portfolio enables DSM to pave the way as an end-to-end partner for creating plant-based food and beverages that impact products, people and the planet.

Sales of Vertis plant proteins will contribute to DSM’s commitment to reach 150 million people with its ingredients and solutions for nutritious and sustainable plant-based food and beverages by 2030.

Last year, DSM announced this and other quantifiable food system commitments, including commitments to support the sustainable production of animal protein, to address the societal and environmental challenges linked to food production and consumption. 

Edited by Elizabeth Green