Vegan meat alternatives for the mass market

HYDROSOL has developed a new stabilizing and texturing system that lets manufacturers of meat alternatives address the wishes of vegans and flexitarians. Vegan nuggets suitable for hot consumption are a current example. The new nuggets have a meat-like texture which is achieved with the aid of HydroTOP High Gel.

“The system is based on a specific combination of hydrocolloids and fibers that act as emulsifying and stabilizing components,” explains Dr Carsten Carstens, head of Product Development for meat and sausage products at Hydrosol. “First an emulsion is made with HydroTOP High Gel 30, oil and water. This stabilizes the hydratized texturate through thermoreversible gelling, meaning that heating the formable mass turns it into a product that is pleasantly firm to the bite.” Treating the texturate with the HydroTOP emulsion creates a formable, slightly sticky meat analog comparable to a ground meat mass used for meatballs and the like. Thanks to this adhesive property, vegetables with smooth surfaces like corn or peas can be worked into the mass without problems. The meat substitute mass can be individually seasoned and produced continuously on a conventional line. 

Hydrosol offers a solution to make vegan nuggets - and other meat substitute products - more meaty in texture

Ideal for wheat, soy and pea protein-based texturates

HydroTOP High Gel 30 is suitable for all standard commercial wheat, soy and pea protein-based texturates. “In application, the synergies and interactions between HydroTOP and the protein texturate are used to full effect,” reports Dr Carstens. “High Gel 30 turns the fibrous structure of the texturate into a meat-like structure.” The vegan nuggets can be pan or deep-fried, and in addition to their texture they offer another clear advantage – they are very declaration-friendly. The products aren’t just vegan, they can also be advertised as free of soy and gluten. Furthermore, they use neither flavour enhancers nor phosphates.

Besides vegan nuggets, manufacturers can use HydroTOP High Gel 30 with the texturates from the Hydrosol Stabiprot series to make many other products. Examples include vegan burgers and patties, as well as vegan schnitzel with breading. All products can be deep-frozen without problems.

In addition, with High Gel 30 all other formed ground meat, fish, poultry, diced ham and similar products can be made at low cost with excellent quality. The meat and fish products have a firm bite, are juicy, and retain their shape.