Move over, soy. Step aside, pea protein. There is a new ingredient called sunflower protein entering the plant-based beverage scene and it is about to shine.
While we have spent the last few years getting accustomed to plant-based milk from oat, almond, soy and pea sources, food scientists have been quietly hunting for the next alternative plant-based protein.
With the rise of lifestyle nutrition, health-conscious consumers now value functional products such as protein-enriched beverages, fortified drinks and supplements. In Malaysia, the plant-based beverage market is poised for strong growth, projected to increase to US$39.7 billion (RM162 billion) by 2031, from US$18.5 billion in 2025.
Nutritional profile
With up to 50% protein, in addition to fibre and a variety of vitamins and antioxidants, sunflower protein has a nutritional profile that can be used to offer functional benefits.
Sunflower protein has a neutral, slightly nutty taste and an off-white colouring. These attributes mean it can be used to create anything from iced coffee to yoghurt.
It is also generally flexible – it can be used as a base ingredient for a plant-based functional beverage or as an addition to a dairy product to make a hybrid offering with unique properties.
Sunflower protein is seeing rising interest thanks to its sustainability, allergen-free profile, complete amino acid composition and neutral taste suited for ready-to-drink beverages.
Tetra Pak exploring unique ingredients
Ingredient innovation is thoroughly reshaping the food supplements and nutrition category.
Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia marketing director John Jose said discussions are ongoing to develop sunflower protein in its markets.
“Nobody has it yet. It’s a race. Hopefully we can use it in Malaysia first. One of our areas (of development) is utilising it with coffee or for barista application. The good thing about this ingredient is its ‘neutral’ taste. When used in coffee, it doesn’t overpower the coffee,” he told theSun.
He said the company has a unit based in Europe that identifies ingredients that are unique and can offer differentiation or functionality to beverage products. It has found a supplier in Bulgaria that supplies high quality food grade sunflower protein powder that can be used for liquid food.
With that, it has developed products such as Sun Barista (sunflower and coffee) and TriPlus (made with sunflower, rice and soy).
Cost-wise, he said sunflower protein can be more affordable compared with other plant-based ingredients, with the exception of soya, which is already an affordable protein source.
“Ingredients are something we can work with to drive more concepts that land packages, especially in the plant-based category.”
Whether you are a vegan, a drinks enthusiast or just someone looking to optimise your nutrition, this new ingredient is about to shine as the next plant-based protein.
