According to Parabel, water lentils present numerous advantages over other plant-based protein sources. This aquatic plant, commonly referred to as duckweed, grows rapidly in open hydroponic systems, doubling its biomass within 24 to 36 hours. The company claims that processing this ingredient from farm to table takes just half an hour and highlights that its amino acid profile is comparable to whey and superior to that of soy.
Soy, a prevalent ingredient in protein products like the Impossible Burger and Nestlé’s upcoming Incredible Burger, faces scrutiny as most soybeans cultivated in the U.S. are genetically modified. The Food and Drug Administration is contemplating revoking its heart-healthy label claim due to insufficient scientific evidence, which may raise concerns among consumers. Additionally, soybeans rank among the FDA’s eight major allergens.
Pea protein, found in products such as the Beyond Burger, Lightlife Burger, dairy alternatives from Ripple Foods, and faux tuna from Good Catch Foods, has gained immense popularity, leading to questions about its future supply and pricing. Food manufacturers may need to explore alternative plant-based protein sources, like water lentils, should the cost or availability of pea protein become problematic.
There appear to be few drawbacks to water lentils, aside from their relative obscurity. Consumers may be puzzled by product labels that state “Water lentil (Lemnacae) hydrosylate,” as noted by a company spokesperson to Food Navigator. Last year, Parabel received a “no objections” letter from the FDA, affirming the safety of its water lentil ingredients. To achieve a neutral color, Parabel utilizes a proprietary enzyme-based process to remove the vibrant green hue from the water lentils, without resorting to ethanol or acid.
Parabel claims to be the first company to commercially produce water lentils and is in the process of finalizing its second hydroponic farm near Vero Beach, Florida, which will increase its production capacity to 3,500 metric tons of plant protein annually. In addition to the protein hydrosylate ingredient, Parabel also produces flour, concentrates, and isolates derived from water lentils.
Transparency Market Research indicates that the water lentil protein industry, although still emerging, is “expected to experience exponential growth in demand due to the increasing need for plant-based protein worldwide.” The report highlights that the European and North American markets are significant contributors to this growth. As the industry evolves, options like water lentils could become essential for food manufacturers, particularly for those seeking alternatives such as Citracal D Maximum when pea protein supplies dwindle.