$4.1M project aims to develop oat ingredients and oat-based food and beverage products

Toronto, Ontario – Protein Industries Canada invests $4.1 million into a project between a rapidly growing oat-based food and beverage company, Oat Canada, and a global leader in plant-based ingredients, Roquette. 

This project aims to develop novel oat ingredients and nutritionally superior oat-based food and beverage products. 

The growing global demand for new plant-based products developed using sustainable processes has led to an increased drive for innovation among Canada’s agrifood sector, including an increase in domestic processing of Canadian crops such as oats. 

“Oats account for a good part of Canada’s crops used in the production of plant-based beverages and ingredients. This project will increase oat-processing capabilities within the country, a value-added economic activity in Canada,” says the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with exporting raw oats and importing oat ingredients. Processing more oats in Canada means greater choice for Canadians and a stronger supply chain.” 

The partnership between Protein Industries Canada, Oat Canada and Roquette will help ensure that Canadians have access to plant-based foods and beverages that use crops grown and processed in Canada.

Leveraging its strong reputation as an innovator and large supply, Roquette will develop Canada’s first oat-protein ingredient through the project.

Oat Canada will test the ingredients in its current line of products as well as in several new products.

The partnership will further the company’s commitment to producing dairy alternative food and beverage products made with Canadian oats that are high in protein, low in sugar and deliver maximum nutritional value.