World Vegan Month, celebrated in November, is a time for vegans and non-vegans alike to come together and recognize the many benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Veganism is not only a compassionate choice for the animals and the environment but also a healthy one for individuals. In this blog, we'll explore the fantastic world of pulse-based protein, with a particular focus on pea protein and how you can incorporate this crucial component into your menu.

The Rise of Veganism

Veganism has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, with more people embracing plant-based diets for various reasons. These may include concerns about animal welfare, a desire to reduce their carbon footprint, or simply wanting to improve their health. With the increasing demand for vegan options, the food industry has responded with an array of plant-based products, one of the most notable being pulse-based protein.

What are Pulses?

Pulses are a group of superfoods that includes chickpeas, lentils, beans, and peas. These protein-packed legumes have been consumed for centuries in various cultures around the world. They are not only incredibly nutritious but also sustainable and versatile, making them an ideal choice for vegans and anyone looking to diversify their protein sources. 

The Power of Pea Protein

Pea protein, the one we know and love, is derived from yellow split peas and has been gaining significant attention as a plant-based protein source. Here's why pea protein deserves the spotlight:

1. Rich in Protein: Pea protein is impressively high in protein content, making it an excellent option for vegans looking to meet their protein needs. 100g of hydrated Pea Protein Mince could give you as much as 17.2g of protein. 
2. Easily Digestible: Unlike some other plant-based proteins, pea protein is gentle on the stomach and easily digestible, making it a great choice for those with sensitive digestive systems.
3. Allergen-Friendly: Pea protein is naturally gluten-free and devoid of common allergens, such as soy and dairy, making it a safe choice for people with allergies or sensitivities.
4. Environmentally Friendly: The cultivation of peas requires less water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to many other protein sources, including animal-based options. It's also really good for the soil meaning no extra fertilizers are required. 
5. Clean-label: Sometimes plant-based proteins require extra added ingredients to generate the flavour and textures similar to meat. Pea Protein Products are simple to use (hydrate and cook) and contain only 100% yellow peas. 

Incorporating Pea Protein into Your Diet

Now that we've seen the numerous advantages of pea protein, it's time to explore how to incorporate it into your Food Sector:

1. Foodservice: Pea-power your pulse-based food creations, with simple to use, clean declaration ingredients. Our premium quality pulse-based protein products offer the convenience of ready-made meat alternatives but in a dry food format.
2. Food manufacturing: From ready-meals to meat analogue products, hybrid dishes to flexitarian-friendly foods. The pea protein fits in perfectly here. 
3. Food-to-go: Food-to-go is back, with plant-based at the forefront of product innovation. Whether you’re looking for meat-replacement ingredients or a clean label pulse-based product to boost the protein of your sandwiches, wraps and salad bowls, pulse-based protein is the option for you.
4. Recipe boxes: Getting plant-based products into domestic kitchens is our aim and Recipe Boxes is the vessel. Our ambient Pea Mince and Pea Protein Chunks provide plant-based dishes with tasty textures and a healthy protein source, and our Gluten Free Panko Crumb is a firm favourite with recipe developers as a crunchy coating for both meat and veggie dishes.
5. Protein packed health & nutrition: The sports nutrition and protein market is thriving, with plant-based becoming a primary focus in product development. We provide sports nutrition brands with clean label protein solutions for meal replacements and hydrate-to-eat one pot dishes.
6. Pet food: The rise of flexitarianism in today’s conscious consumer isn’t just changing the content of our dinner plates, it’s also seeing changes in the bowls of our pets!

Conclusion

In World Vegan Month, we celebrate the growth of veganism and the incredible options available for those choosing this compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. Pulse-based protein, particularly pea protein, has emerged as a superstar in the vegan food world. Its high protein content, digestibility, and sustainability make it a fantastic choice for vegans and non-vegans alike. So, whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply looking to make more plant-based choices, consider the power of pulse-based protein on your menu and let your consumers enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.