On Tuesday, Protein Industries Canada announced a $2.2 million co-investment into the development of a novel plant-based protein blend that will be designed to meet the protein needs of hospitalized and outpatient individuals, and highly active athletic consumers.
The project is being led by Enhanced Medical Nutrition (EMN) and Infinit Nutrition Canada (INC). They’re targeting consumers where sufficient protein intakes pose a challenge, particularly individuals recovering from surgery, the critically ill and athletes building muscle mass.
“There are endless opportunities for plant-based protein products. Demand is growing for these products around the world, and we need to encourage the Canadian innovators so they are the ones who meet that demand. This announcement is just one more solid example of how the Protein Industries Supercluster is adding value to our farmers’ crops and keeping the sector at the forefront of innovation,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
EMN and INC will create ready-to-mix and modular protein powders that are allergen-free, clean label and ethically sourced and manufactured from Canadian raw materials. The modular powders will be used in healthcare settings where they can be mixed into beverages or soft foods, increasing the protein content of the meal, or flushed through feeding tubes to deliver a dose of protein on top of the prescribed tube feed. The ready-to-mix powders will also be designed for hospital use, as well as for outpatient settings and at-home use.
“Increasingly consumers are turning to plant-based diets. The amount of protein they need differs depending on factors such as their lifestyle and health situation,” said Protein Industries Canada CEO Bill Greuel. “This rising demand and difference in needs makes it crucial that plant-based protein options are available in all settings and all forms—from grocery shelves to hospital kitchens, and from ready-to-mix powders to mixtures compatible with enteral feeding syringes. Making these products easily available helps ensure that all Canadians have access to a healthy, nutritious diet.”
This is Protein Industries Canada’s 15th technology project announcement. With industry, Protein Industries Canada has committed more than $320 million into Canada’s plant-protein sector.
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