Plant based chicken pieces salad

How Novo Farina Helped a Plant-Based Food Manufacturer to Improve Sustainability and Nutrition with Soy-Free Pea Protein

by Ellie Grubb on 3.10.2024

Brief from the Food Manufacturer/NPD Team: A leading plant-based food manufacturer, approached Novo Farina seeking an alternative to imported soy for their product range. Their goal was to enhance sustainability by reducing reliance on soy while maintaining the high-quality texture and nutritional profile of their plant-based products. Additionally, they needed a protein solution that aligned with the PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) requirements used to assess protein quality in Canada and the USA.

The Challenge:

The Manufacturer was looking for a protein source that could:

  • Replace soy while delivering similar or better textural and nutritional benefits for consumers in Canada and the USA.
  • Meet consumer demand for soy-free, allergen-friendly plant-based products.
  • Achieve the high protein levels required for the PDCAAS standard.
  • Enhance sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with imported ingredients.

Our Solution:

Novo Farina worked closely with their NPD team to understand their specific needs and product requirements. After thoroughly discussing their texture, protein, and sizing specifications, we offered samples from our Texturised Pea Protein (TPP) range for testing in various formulations.

Following initial bench trials, The Manufacturer found that Novo Farina’s Pea & Fava Chunk perfectly suited their application requirements. This solution not only met their expectations but also provided added nutritional and sustainability benefits.

Results and Key Improvements:

1. Consistency in Texture: The texture of our Pea & Fava Bean Chunks closely mimicked that of soy, ensuring they could maintain the high quality their customers expect without any compromise in product feel or consistency.

2. Exact Piece Size Match: Our Pea & Fava Bean Chunks were the ideal piece size for The Manufacturer's finished products, ensuring they fit seamlessly into their manufacturing process.

3. Higher Protein Levels: With a high percentage of protein, Novo Farina’s pea protein easily met the PDCAAS standards used in Canada and the USA, enhancing the overall protein content of their products.

4. Boost in Fibre: Our pea protein is naturally high in fibre, which helped improve the nutritional profile of their plant-based offerings, making them more attractive to health-conscious consumers.

5. Soy-Free and Allergen-Friendly: By eliminating soy from their product line, The Manufacturer could now offer a more inclusive product to a broader consumer base, especially those with soy allergies or dietary restrictions.

6. Increased Vegetable Content: The switch to our pea and fava bean protein added more plant-based nutrition, providing an even stronger health focus for their product range.

Sustainability Impact:

By transitioning to British-made pea protein, The Manufacturer significantly reduced their reliance on imported soy, lowering their carbon footprint and improving their sustainability credentials. This shift helped them align more closely with eco-conscious consumers who seek cleaner, more sustainable food options.


Conclusion: Working with Novo Farina allowed this Manufacturer to improve both the sustainability and nutritional value of their plant-based products without compromising on texture or quality. By switching to soy-free, allergen-friendly pea protein, they were able to cater to a wider audience and meet the growing demand for sustainable, plant-based nutrition in both the Canadian and US markets.

If your company is looking to improve sustainability, reduce reliance on soy, and offer higher nutritional value, Novo Farina’s texturised pea protein could be the perfect solution for your products.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next product development.

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