Parabel and Barentz partner to use plant-based protein in food

US-based Parabel has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with global ingredients distributor Barentz to use the former’s plant-based protein products in food, feed and plant-based personal care components.

Obtained from a water lentil called Lemnoideae, Parabel’s LENTEIN protein can increase its biomass to double in 24h-36h.

The LENTEIN protein can be harvested every day and contains the maximum levels of essential amino acids of all plant protein.

The sustainable ingredient is devoid of any common food allergens and non-genetically modified organisms (GMO).

This nutritional protein ingredient can be used in meat, healthy snacks, soups, bakery, pasta, protein beverages, shakes cold pressed juices.

The water lentil sourced from the Lemna protein concentrates best serve as an energy-rich protein in aqua feed and pet food, providing sufficient nutrition for animals.

Containing soluble and insoluble fibre, the Lemna protein serves as a good source of fibre in food made for animals.

Barentz CEO Hidde Van der Wal said: "Proteins, as well as fibres, are essential for human and animal health and looking at the future, we know for a fact that there are boundaries to the production of animal-based proteins.

"Plant-based ingredients, therefore, are carefully looked at by many people in these industries to explore the application possibilities.

"This ingredient seems a promise for the future and I am confident that our customers will explore opportunities with the application specialists in our labs to see how they can best use this ingredient in their product ranges."

Under the partnership, Dutch wholesaler Barentz will be responsible for distributing Parabel’s plant-based products worldwide.

Parabel CEO Anthony Tiarks said: "Barentz is the ideal partner for us. The company is established in the geographical regions where Parabel products are in high demand and Barentz serves exactly those industries in which Parabel is operating: food, animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals and personal care."

Barentz will also help add expertise in areas such as local market and industry knowledge, regulatory affairs, ingredient expertise, and application work for customers, logistics and traceability.