I-BIND – Vegan Meat

Is plant-based meat the food of the future?

The United Nations estimates that the world population will rise from 7.7 billion as of 2019 to a whooping 9.7 billion in 2050 (United Nations, 2019). As alarming as the numbers seem, it is only natural to think that the global demand for food will also be on the rise accordingly. An increase in food production will be a necessary requirement, in order to feed the growing population.

A rise in food production especially in terms of proteins in the form of meat, will be a gradual challenge. The question is, how can we adapt?

A close look at the world resources that produce meat already indicates an insufficiency in production. As a common source of protein, meat production for more than 9 billion people requires a great deal more natural resources including water, land and energy; more than the world will have to offer in time to come. It is clear that greenhouse gases emitted by livestock farming would also then see a rise, and would further negatively impact global environment.

The answer seems pretty simple.

We need to acknowledge there would be the possibility of not being able to produce sufficient meat for the increasing worldly demands. Industry experts are looking towards alternate methods of producing meat without having to dip into the world’s limited resources. We like to think of this an opportunity to be innovative and forward-thinking.

The most common alternative and result of extensive research has been plant-based meat. To note, the production of plant-based meat requires significantly lower natural resources including that of land use, water, green house gases and energy, than that of livestock, thereby being a sustainable option.

What is plant-based meat?

Plant-based meat is also known as plant proteins. They mimic certain qualities of animal-based meat in the form of textures, flavour or even appearance at times. The base of these products are made from various ingredients such as soy, textured vegetable protein, wheat gluten just to name a few. It is free of cholesterol, antibiotics and added hormones. These attributes make it an increasingly attractive and healthy dietary choice over regular meat.

“Plant-based meats are starting to hit that sweet spot where they are competitive with the animal-based meat products that they’re replacing on the basis of taste, price, and accessibility,” Zak Weston, food service analyst at the Global Food Institute said on
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/

If you’re feeling a bit skeptic, health benefits of consuming plant proteins include reduced risk of heart disease, reduced inflammation, reduced risk of diabetes, reduced risk of cancer, and its consumption also eliminates the risk of kidney stones and boosts the immune system.

The concept of plant proteins involves an obvious contradiction however. How can meat, which
comes from animals, be created or imitated by plants?

After years of experimentation, the SMS Innovation Center aims to formulate the perfect meat analog, combined with sophisticated technology and expertise to translate great ideas into delectable food. Their plant protein specialists formulate the perfect meal counterpart, achieving the right flavour and even appearance when necessary.

However, lack of binding ability and firm bite as that of meat has been difficult to imitate.

In order to create meat-free products more conveniently and with a firmer bind and bite, SMS integrates I-BIND, a blend of plant proteins and food textures developed for an all-purpose meat like experience, through texturizing and binding of plant produce. This means being able to have wider plant-based culinary choices that include meat patties, minced meat, meatballs, and nuggets with the ever so loved firm bite and juicy texture.

I-BIND is vegan, GMO free and Allergen free.

Eiger Holdings (Pvt) Ltd values innovative ingredients and harbours a long-standing partnership with the SMS Innovation Center, which allows us to represent their products in the food industry of Sri Lanka.

If plant proteins and I-BIND perk your interest, we’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.