The global move towards plant-based diets is not just another food trend. It’s a lifestyle that is increasingly embraced by people for a number of important reasons, in particular, ethical and environmental. As a result, we are seeing a growing demand for alternatives to traditional animal-based products, with dairy being a major sector. Are plant-based concentrates the solution?
What are plant-based concentrates?
Plant-based concentrates are products where the protein content of plant source has been extracted and concentrated. This may include a variety of different plants, such as legumes, cereals, oilseeds, fruit, and others. It is typically done through wet extraction and filtering processes, until the desired concentration is achieved (which is often 60-75%).
The end result is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of food products, both at home and in industrial manufacturing. For instance, it can be used to create an oat drink simply by diluting it with water. However, there are many more applications than beverages, from baked goods and frozen desserts to snacks and savoury dishes. In manufacturing or foodservice sectors, this can save a considerable amount of costs and waste, as the same concentrate can be adapted to many different applications, across a range of products.
Among the variety of plant based concentrates available, oat concentrate is one of the most popular and high-quality options. Specialising in this, the Mak Food Company is able to achieve a product that is not only 100% natural and derived exclusively from oats, but also rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, as well as high in protein.
In addition to their standard oat concentrate, they offer a selection of pre-made blends featuring unique flavours, including oat and caramel, oat and cocoa, oat and almond, oat and coffee, and many others. Not just that, businesses may order a bespoke concentrate blend for their specific product needs.
The environmental and health advantages
The applications and versatility of plant-based concentrates are clear but what are the other advantages? Environmentally, they boast a significantly lower impact on the planet compared to dairy production, contributing to a more sustainable food system. The product is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, which aligns with the growing concerns for the ethics behind the dairy industry.
From a health perspective, these concentrates are a powerhouse of benefits. They are naturally free from lactose and cholesterol, making them ideal for those who have specific dietary restrictions and intolerances (e.g. high cholesterol levels). Moreover, in many cases, like oats, plant-based concentrates are a nutrient-dense addition to any diet, high in protein and rich in nutrients. It’s a diverse ingredient that can cater to a whole array of lifestyle choices, not only vegans or lactose-intolerant individuals.
A plant-based future
Plant-based concentrates are undoubtedly revolutionising the way we think about food and nutrition. Such products as oat concentrate should no longer be viewed as a niche in the industry, catering to vegans only. Instead, see it as the sustainable, nutritious, ethical, and convenient choice, with no compromises on taste or versatility.
