Protein power: Z Natural Foods launches organic vegan protein blend

30 Sep 2019 --- US specialty food company Z Natural Foods has launched a new Organic Vanilla Cream Vegan Protein. The lightly-sweetened vanilla flavored protein powder provides a plant-based amino acid profile and ketogenic-friendly medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) fatty acids. According to the Florida-based company, the protein blend is aimed at athletes, vegans and vegetarian consumers who want a “natural protein free of preservatives.”

“For vegan and vegetarian consumers, finding a complete plant-based protein that has a quality amino acid profile can be a challenge,” says Sam Hirschberg, Director of Marketing for Z Natural Foods.

The protein comes from organic pea protein, organic rice protein and organic pumpkin seed proteins and contains no synthetic ingredients. It is also touted as being easy to digest, high in essential fatty acids (EFA’s) and fiber, raw, 100 percent plant-based, vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO. The protein powder mixes with water and can be used in smoothies, milk or juices. 

“Our customers like this protein powder, not just for the creamy texture and the coconut flavor with a hint of sweetness, but for the simple and pure ingredients that offer a high amount of nutrition.” 

The company also has a chocolate-flavored vegan protein which is one of their most popular products, according to Hirschberg. “Many of our customers also enjoy the taste of vanilla and this was a natural fit, largely in response to what our customers have been asking for,” he tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

“Superfoods and superfruits are our core products and much of our valued customer base is vegan or vegetarian. We aim to bring the highest quality products to the market, sometimes products that may otherwise be hard to find and we innovate through creating products such as this Organic Vanilla Cream Vegan Protein blend,” Hirschberg notes. 

He also reveals that this Vanilla Vegan Protein blend can be used in several bakery items, including pancakes, waffles, muffins and cakes. 

Hirschberg adds that the company’s protein blends are “ideal for nutrition enthusiasts and consumers are seeking a versatile, plant-based protein supplement.”

Coconut milk
To enhance the taste and texture further, Organic Vanilla Cream Vegan Protein powder contains organic coconut milk. “Coconut milk is packed with phytonutrients, healthy fats, amino acids, vitamins and minerals,” Hirschberg says. “There are so many plant milks on the market nowadays, but coconut milk is one of the best.” 

“Like all our protein powders, we also dry our coconut at a low temperature to preserve all the naturally occurring enzymes, nutrients and flavor.”

Coconut milk is creamier than other plant milk and more suited for blends, he notes. “Also, you can mix it with anything, it doesn’t dominate the taste and mixes well with everything.”

The company carried out vigorous testing and qualitative market research with cashew milk and almond milk and the responses largely told them that the other plant milks had an aftertaste, which was not ideal for this type of protein blend, Hirschberg explains. 

By Elizabeth Green