3 minute read
Food for the future – alternative protein solutions
By 2050, it is estimated that an extra 265 million tonnes of protein will be needed to meet the demands of the world’s population. Finding new protein sources is essential. Soy, oilseed, pulses and the ability to upcycle side streams or newer ingredients like microalgae are the future when exploring and developing sustainable alternative as consumers continually demand environmentally friendly products.
Bühler offers industrial-scale, complete solutions for processing alternative proteins into high quality meat or fish substitutes. Its technology allows processors to adjust the texture, shape, colour and flavour of the products according to the needs of your target market and supply your customers with tasty products.
Maximising pulse potential
As well as being high-protein and gluten-free, pulses are filling, low-fat and high in vitamins and minerals. Products that combine pulses with wheat, meanwhile, are also high in amino acids.
Pulses are extremely versatile and can be used in breads, pasta products and meat substitutes. Bühler has developed a wide range of products and solutions to help increase pulse production and offers solutions for every process step including optical sorting, milling, extrusion, cleaning, splitting and hulling.
PolyCool 1000. For the first time, the patented PolyCool 1000 allows a throughput of more than 1000 kg per hour. The individual cooling circuits can be controlled independently. This high-throughput cooling die can withstand pressure of up to 50 bar.
“Our Pulsroll pulse huller enables the efficient and hygienic removal of the hulls of different pulses. The Polymatik press, meanwhile, is a production solution that allows producing pulses and other raw materials into savoury pasta products with an authentic pasta ‘bite.’ We are also continuing to explore the potential of pulses for use in meat substitutes, many of which are now almost indistinguishable from meat in terms of texture and taste,” explains Taryn Browne of Bühler in South Africa.
Oilseed processing
When it comes to oilseed preparation, Bühler’s high-availability technology is key to efficient preparation prior to extraction. “We work closely with manufacturers of pressing and extraction systems to provide complete process solutions, achieving capacities beyond 15 000 t/24h. Our proven reliability, technology and services can help you to reduce the cost of ownership and improve your extraction yield.
“We offer the industries’ most comprehensive portfolio in the preparation of oilseeds such as soybeans, rape-and sunflower seeds - covering all process steps from grain intake to flaking, as well as hull and extraction meal processing,” she explains.
Releasing the potential of microalgae
Aeroglide systems are already used in the manufacture of seaweed products for a number of South Asian customers, with dried seaweeds processed on Bühler roller mills in China. The company is also looking at ways of integrating microalgae into other food products. One example is its partnership with start-up Alverto to develop algae as an ingredient in pasta products with a protein content of more than 60%. “We are also researching use of the wet grinding process in bread mills as a cost-efficient means of rupturing algae cell walls, an essential element of large-scale cultivation,” she points out.
While microalgae have long been a part of Asian cuisines in the form of seaweed and other dishes, only a tiny proportion are currently used for food. This means the potential for further development is huge. What is more, algae grow very quickly, and no arable land is required. Algae are cultivated in open ponds or closed systems with tubes, bags or tanks, and they take up very little space. Depending on the species, they can also be farmed in both warm and cold climates.
