Parabel USA Inc., a producer of plant protein ingredients from water lentils, has debuted a neutral colored protein ingredient, scheduled for commercial production by the end of this year. The product is designed to be an allergen-free substitute for plant proteins like soy or pea.
 
New product launches of plant-based foods have risen dramatically, and with the current supply issues of quality plant protein ingredients, food manufacturers are looking for alternatives that have the necessary functional and nutritional properties.
 
The ingredient contains 65-70% hydrolyzed protein and can be used in meat analogues. In addition, it has a complete amino acid profile and offers the digestibility of a hydrolyzed protein, positioning it for the sport protein industry. The protein is free from food allergens and is certified Non-GMO.
 
Water Lentils produce a higher yield of protein than many other crops due to daily harvests and the highly scalable technology. The minimal process takes 30 minutes from farm to table and no chemicals are used during processing. Parabel has 96 patents for its technology in growing and processing water lentils.
 
“The water lentil hydrolysate has a superb functionality especially compared to other minimally processed ingredients,” said Anthony Tiarks, Parabel’s CEO. “In conjunction with its complete amino acid profile and high digestibility it will be an easy drop-in solution to everything plant-based—from burgers and sausages to sports nutrition and beverages.”
 
Parabel’s LENTEIN product line includes a protein hydrolysate, plant milk, superfood and flour. LENTEIN received a no objections letter from FDA in 2018.
 
Parabel is finalizing its second farm bringing the capacity for LENTEIN plant protein to 3,500 MT per year. The location of the two farms and the pilot plant are in an Opportunity Zone and close to the company headquarters in Vero Beach, FL.