Thursday 13 August 2020

Nestlé launches new pea-based dairy alternatives, boasting ‘even better environmental footprint’

Nestlé has launched a series of new plant-based dairy alternatives, which claim to have a better environmental footprint than existing options.

The new additions to the company's portfolio are plant-based and lactose-free products, suitable for consumers with lactose intolerance or those following a dairy-free or vegan diet.

The Swiss food giant says the production of plant-based products made from pea protein is a key focus area - the firm's scientific team uses a combination of technologies such as plant-protein extraction, fermentation and thermal treatment to create these products.

Swen Rabe, Head of Nestlé's R&D Center in Konolfingen, said: "Peas are one of the most environmentally-friendly sources of plant-based protein, but when used alone, it can be challenging to turn them into a great-tasting beverage.

"By using our proprietary technologies, as well as our expertise in creating shelf-stable dairy products, we were able to develop a delicious pea-based beverage with a reduced sugar content when compared to similar products in the market."