The food and beverage market currently has significant growing demand for new protein rich or protein-enriched products. The trend is clearly demonstrated in the recent success of Greek style yogurt and the growing demand for plant-based food and beverages. The challenge with protein additions at the levels at which claims can be made is that the protein adversely impacts the texture/mouth feel, taste and/or color, of the product. Therefore, consumer perceptions of the product suffer.
The goal is to locate novel proteins that do not suffer from these drawbacks and/or unique extraction methods to mitigate/minimize their magnitude and to achieve a claimable level of protein relevant to each category.
Must-Haves
- Protein concentrates and isolates only.
- Plant-based proteins, and non-animal proteins resulting from bio synthesis/fermentation process shall be considered.
- PDCAAS (Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score) > 0.90 is highly desirable
- Minimal flavor and texture impact above 7% protein concentration
- Process friendly for beverage applications (e.g. good dispersion, solubility, low viscosity)
- Evidence to show the unique value of the protein
- Product specifications
- Amino acid profile
- Digestibility information
- Regulatory information
Nice-to-Haves
- Scientific research done to prove uniqueness.
- Clarity in solution in low and high-acid environments
- Fully functional in low and high-acid environments
- Non-allergenic
- Non-GMO
- FDA letter of non-objection on GRAS status
- Negligible flavor and texture impact above 7% protein concentration
- Other nutritional benefits to the source besides high protein content (i.e. fiber)
- “Clean Label”, i.e. easy to pronounce and common (e.g. familiar, “kitchen” ingredients are highly desirable and avoid chemical-sounding ingredients) or at the minimum has a good sustainability story or other differentiation to conventional animal and dairy proteins
Possible Approaches
PepsiCo is interested in all approaches capable of achieving the performance stated with the following exceptions:
Approaches Not of Interest
- Soy
- Cricket powder
- Meal worm powder
- Animal
- Single cell protein
- Whole cereal or legume flours
Preferred Collaboration types
PepsiCo is open to a range of collaboration types, but proof of concept is required.
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