By Inga de Jong
4 Nov 2021
LUPREME®, an alternative plant-based protein made with unprocessed sweet lupins by Australian company, Eighth Day Foods, has been endorsed by plant-based celebrity chef Scott Findlay.
LUPREME®, an alternative plant-based protein made with unprocessed sweet lupins by Australian company, Eighth Day Foods, has been endorsed by plant-based celebrity chef Scott Findlay.
Findlay trained under Gordon Ramsay, and has been a private chef to distinguished clients such as Sir Paul McCartney, Rihanna, Beyonce, Madonna and Elton John.
However, this alternative protein is out to captivate a bigger audience as “it is on the cusp of being available publicly and the momentum is building,” Roger Drew, inventor of Lupreme and co-founder of Eighth Day Foods, tells FoodIngredientsFirst.
“When you know your product is great, there is enormous anticipation as to what others would think, but to have someone you look up to and respect embrace and share their excitement for what you have created, there are no words to describe how exciting that is,” Drew professes.
Protein with a chef-worthy taste profile Lupreme is made of roughly 43% protein, 30% dietary fiber and is low in carbohydrates. Its natural form has a clean taste profile providing a versatile foundation from which to cook.
“It is its own protein; it is not trying to mimic anything else but can be used in all the same forms as any other protein,” says Drew.
Chef Findlay has specialized in plant-based haute cuisine since 2004, when he first started cooking for McCartney.
“I’ve traveled all over the world using different plant-based products and I’ve yet to come across anything as versatile, delicious and easy to work with as Lupreme,” Findlay explains.
Eighth Day Foods claims Lupreme has proven heart health benefits and aids in digestive health, diabetes and weight management.
Plant-based applications With the global demand for protein projected to double by 2050, it simply will not be possible to provide secure, sustainable, nutritious proteins from animals alone, notes the company.
“Plant-Based: The Canvas for Innovation” was rated the second-biggest Innova Top 10 Trend for 2022, reflecting the increasing premiumization of the plant-based movement. Notably, plant-based claims are growing faster than vegan claims.
Lupreme costs less than meat and provides manufacturers with myriad opportunities to develop different products.
“We believe that we all have a role to play and ours is to ensure that food producers have access to the very best sustainable protein and processes so they can create premium plant-based products under their own trusted brands,” outlines Drew.In its natural form Lupreme has a clean taste profile making it easier to use in many different cuisines. (Eighth Day Foods)
In its natural form Lupreme has a clean taste profile making it easier to use in many different cuisines.
Alternative protein buffet According to Innova Market Insights, North America and West Europe are the most important markets for plant-based and vegan NPD. Australasia shows the fastest growth in plant-based development, with East Europe seeing the most significant growth in vegan NPD.
Pea proteins are a big winner, as well as non-traditional sources such as yeast and wood. Fermentation technologies are driving these developments.
However, several creative alternative protein variants are being developed in the animal-free space. For example, Solein, developed by Solar Foods, is made from microbes cultured with electricity and air.
Air Protein is another air-based protein created using a probiotic production process that converts elements from the air into nutrients.