Making Plant-Based Meat
Find innovative production technology for making plant-based meat and connect directly with world-leading specialists
With consumerism comes great responsibility. More and more are switching their diet towards vegan and vegetarian alternatives, varying from dairy to meat. As more plant-based meat technologies are being invented, the production is rising in popularity. Ever wondered which challenges come with that?
Stories about plant-based meat
#Changemaker: developing your recipe to success in the vegan market
Innovator or perfector – what kind of plant-based food maker are you?
#Changemaker: The tastiest part of chicken is plant science
#Changemaker: The plant-based burger made of lentils you didn't know you needed!
#Changemaker: Chickpea protein for your plant-based food product!
#Changemaker: Fava bean umami extract for your vegan diet!
#Changemaker: Vegan bacon is a co-man love match
Select your plant-based meat process
Tell us about your production challenge
The secret lies in the mixing!
The main ingredients in plant-based meat production process are protein-rich plants like soybeans which are then cooked and processed into meat shape. While the general production of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) involves many processing stages, the (pre-)mixing stage is amongst the most challenging step. The base mix of PBMA often contains over 30 different ingredients with different physical properties in terms of density, size, moisture, etc.
This makes mixing quite challenging as continuous production processes can be disturbed by frequent recipe changes. As a solution, makers can use special plant-based meat technologies such as continuous mixing systems which focus on batch production and intend to reduce any disturbances in the mixing process.
Newest plant-based meat technologies
The ‘Extrudable Fat Technology’ is a plant based food technology that focuses on mimicking animal fat which enables a more authentic fat texture, also known as marbling. For this, fat is run through an extruder and then combined with protein. Despite the production pressures and temperature, this allows both components to be physically linked together instead of the fat turning liquid, as it would have normally.
Another effective way of making plant-based meat is by producing TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein). TVP per se was commonly produced with Low Moisture Extrusion Cooking (LMEC) processes and has been used as a meat substitute since the 1960’s, so technically it is not new. New techniques are now using High Moisture Extrusion Cooking (HMEC) and offer a better fibrous consistency and texture, more effectively replicating the structure, texture and overall feeling of meat.
It all depends on the consumer
While it is known that plant based protein alternatives are a lot friendlier for the environment and reducing our footprint, a common point for discussion or rejection from consumers is the taste, texture and appearance of many vegan meat substitutes. These three criteria make the biggest challenge for producers. With advanced plant-based food products, there is a hopeful outlook on continuous positive developments. Especially with the rise of popular alternatives such as “impossible foods” & “beyond Meat”. Consumers used to believe that protein could only come from real meat. However, there are now an incredible amount of alternative protein choices on the market. Some of which even contain higher protein content than actual meat. You can now get all the protein you need in the form of meat substitutes such as meatless steaks, nuggets, burgers, sausages and more.
Processing steps involved in plant-based meat making
Which plant-based meat technology do you need?
Clarifiers for plant protein recovery
In the food processing industry, recovering valuable plant proteins such as those fro...
Batter applicator for plant-based products
When producing plant-based convenience foods, achieving an even and consistent ...
Modular cooling die for texturised plant proteins
Developing meat-like textures from plant proteins at a laboratory or pi...
Open flame grill marking system
Food processors looking to enhance the visual appeal of their products face the challenge of...
Double-shaft paddle mixer for homogeneous raw masses
In food processing, producing completely homogeneous food mixtures c...
Industrial fryer for pork, poultry, and seafood
In the food processing industry, achieving consistent and high-quality fri...
Stuffing feeding device for extruders
Highly cohesive or exceptionally light products can pose significant challenges when ...
Continuous cooling roller for extrudates
In extrusion processes, managing the temperature of extrudates is critical to ensu...
Agitator bead mill for functional foods and flavors
Fine-grinding solid flavors to improve taste properties and integrati...
Tray sealer for food production
Companies in food industry know how essential packaging is in keeping food fresh and ensurin...
High capacity freezer for food
Freezing is one of the most important industrial methods for the long-term preservation of fo...
Vacuum and pressure cooker for fruits and vegetables
When producing fruit-based products such as marmalades or ice cream ...
Leak tester for pouches and MAP packaging
Nuts are packed with unsaturated fatty acids, which means they are prone to oxid...
Tray former for various tray formats including trays with corner constructions
If you are looking to increase your sup...
Hygienic and fully-welded spiral freezer for food
Food freezers are often the last step in the food production chain. The...
Organic soybean feed extruder
Soybeans are an essential ingredient in the creation of protein-rich animal feed. To achieve h...
Industrial thermoformer for food production
The primary purpose and aim of food packaging are to protect all food products...
Form fill seal thermoforming machine
As the name suggests, a Form Fill Seal machine is one that forms, fills, and seals a p...
Skin packaging machine
Skin packaging is when a product is placed on a tray or a paperboard with a thin layer of plastic plac...
Air dehumidifier for bulk products
When your product or process is sensitive to humidity, using an air dehumidifier may res...
X-ray inspection system for processed meat products
When dealing with the poultry industry, the Dual X-ray inspection sys...
Extruder with annular gap expander
Products can be extruded with various shapes and characteristics by controlling the nozz...
Complete cutting, mixing, emulsifying and heating system
From laboratory scale to large volume food or cosmetic productio...