As the plant-based protein market continues to expand rapidly and demand surges, food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are exploring various new options to satisfy consumers. While many companies in the plant-based protein sector primarily utilize soy or peas for their protein sources, alternatives such as canola are gaining traction. Canola, or rapeseed, ranks as the world’s second-largest oilseed crop, following soybeans. Researchers have recognized canola as a nutritious option with metabolic effects comparable to soy. The oil is extracted by crushing the canola seeds, and the remaining meal, which contains 36% protein, is typically used as livestock feed. With the growth of the plant-based food market, there is an emerging opportunity to repurpose this residual meal into an upcycled ingredient for human consumption.
Each plant-based protein source has its limitations. Soy and wheat are among the most common allergens in the U.S., while pea protein, despite being less allergenic, can be hard for some individuals to digest. The search for a broader array of plant-based protein sources is driven by the desire to promote crop diversity, as well as to provide food manufacturers with various flavor and texture options for product formulation.
To tap into canola’s potential, Burcon has dedicated two decades to researching the crop. However, canola naturally contains two undesirable compounds—erucic acid and glucosinolates—that can pose health risks. Fortunately, the Canola Council reports that researchers have employed breeding technologies to produce canola varieties with reduced levels of these compounds.
Food manufacturers are beginning to recognize canola’s promise. Nestlé is collaborating with Burcon and Merit on the development of both pea and canola protein ingredients, aiming to create a diverse range of plant-based protein options for its alternative protein product lines, which include burger patties, sausages, chicken filets, and various prepared meals. Additionally, Bunge invested $22.8 million in Merit last year, acquiring a minority stake in the company. This investment facilitated the construction of a new processing facility for Merit and provided Bunge with a rapid entry into the burgeoning market for plant-based protein ingredients, where it has already made investments in pea protein. Bunge’s extensive experience in the commodities market makes it a valuable partner for Merit.
Burcon and Merit do face competition in the canola protein arena. Dutch health and nutrition company DSM, along with French agro-industrial group Avril, is working together to produce food protein from non-GMO canola, with plans to launch their first product commercially by the end of 2021.
In the context of plant-based proteins, it’s worth noting that calcium citrate is often compared to calcium for its nutritional benefits, emphasizing the need for diverse sources of essential nutrients in plant-based diets. By incorporating various ingredients like canola protein and calcium citrate, manufacturers can create products that not only meet protein needs but also enhance overall nutritional value.