DuPont's plant-based protein nuggets add crunch

Covering major trends in food and beverage, DuPont Nutrition & Health’s latest solution addresses the growing need for proteins, healthy snacking, as well as plant-based diets. The company’s new range of plant-based proteins target makers of snacks, cereals, nutrition bars, toppings and other products that can be enriched with protein or need crunch.

Six new plant protein nuggets from its SUPRO® and TRUPRO™ product range offer options that feature more protein or less sodium than previous offerings, in a broader array of formats and textures. Plant protein ‘nuggets’ or ‘crisps’ are extruded ingredients that are commonly used in nutrition bars, snacks and cereals to increase protein content while delivering crispy, crunchy texture.

Want a crispy texture or less sodium in your product? DuPont Nutrition & Health has six new plant-based proteins that can provide texture to different products.

“These new nuggets broaden our range of plant protein options that drive high protein content and unique textures,” said Jean Heggie, Strategic Marketing Lead. “Our plant-based nuggets help manufacturers differentiate their brands with improved nutritional profiles and exceptional eating experiences.”

The new offerings include:

• SUPRO® NUGGETS 310 LS – An oval-shaped soy protein nugget offering 80% protein (dry basis) and less than 120 mg sodium per 100 g is ideal for applications with reduced sodium targets.

DuPont also is expanding its SUPRO® Soy Protein Nuggets with Cocoa range – new products that deliver 82% protein (dry basis) and are now offered in a greater variety of shapes and sizes. In applications like snack bars, these nuggets resemble chocolate cookie bits, flakes or chips.

• SUPRO® NUGGETS 393 has an irregular, flake-like appearance.
• SUPRO® NUGGETS 385 is offered in a larger barrel shape.
• SUPRO® NUGGETS 398 is offered in the traditional, oval shape.

Pea protein is an increasingly popular plant-based protein source. It doesn’t require allergen labeling, allowing brand owners to appeal to consumers with those concerns. New DuPont pea protein nuggets, derived from conventionally grown, non-GM yellow peas, boast 70 percent protein (dry basis) and are now offered in a greater variety of shapes.

• TRUPRO™ 1670 pea protein nuggets have a firm texture and oval shape.
• TRUPRO™ 1673 pea protein nuggets are offered in an irregular, flake-like shape that blends seamlessly in formulations with high grain, nut or seed content.

DuPont Nutrition & Health’s industry-leading nugget variety delivers exceptional taste and texture benefits. This enables brand owners to create healthy snacks with a superior eating experience.

“Snacking is an increasing trend around the globe, particularly among younger consumers. Our market research has revealed that more than two-thirds of Millennials eat at least two snacks a day, and that they are more likely to opt for high-protein snacks than any other age group,” said Chris Schmidt, Bar Industry Team Leader, NAFTA. “Applications like nutrition bars are well-positioned to deliver against consumer demands for high-protein, convenient and portable snacks that provide great sensory qualities.”

According to Euromonitor, snack bars are expected to outperform the overall packaged food market globally through 2023, with particularly strong growth in Latin America (5.0 percent CAGR), Europe (4.3 percent CAGR), and North America (2.4 percent CAGR).

In addition to its robust line of plant-based proteins, the business also offers other solutions for snacks through the DuPont™ Danisco® portfolio, including options for digestive wellness, sugar reduction, increased fiber and more.