Solpro 958QS is a ready-to-use, stabilized, calcium-fortified soy protein isolate, which combines the properties of non-GMO soy protein isolates with calcium and natural stabilisers.
Solbar believes that the product, which was developed in cooperation with Netherlands-company Purac, is the first to offer a one-ingredient solution that achieves stabilisation and a high nutritional profile without compromising taste.
Gary Brenner, Solbar VP Marketing & Development told NutraIngredients.com: “As far as we are aware, this is the first ready-to-use protein calcium stabiliser formulation that allows manufacturers of low PH level beverages to put a whole formulation into a drink without the need to add anything else other than flavours.”
Fortification challenges
According to Solbar, the new formulation could help address some of the challenges linked to the fortification of beverages with calcium.
“The formulation solves all of the typical issues faced by ready-to-drink manufacturers, eliminating precipitation, chalkiness or gritty mouthfeel, protein coagulation, and non-homogenous calcium distribution,” said David Kraus, Solbar Global Applications Manager.
Solpro 958QS is said to have the same level of calcium that is found in milk, an achievement which Kraus described as a “major breakthrough” for lactose sensitive consumers.
Brenner said that the product is suitable for a range of low pH applications, including soy-based and other non-acidic functional beverages. “Acidic beverages such as fruit juice would require a slightly more complicated formulation,” he added.
Solbar reports that Solpro 958QS has been tested in a number UHT preparations, receiving the approval of expert flavour panels.
Technology and ingredients
Purac, which produces lactic acid, derivatives, gluconates, lactides and polylactides, played a significant role in the development of Solpro 958QS.
“We are experts in the use of soy proteins, but Purac brought the expertise in fortification and using stabilisers,” said Brenner. “The development of the product demonstrates successful co-operation between two like-minded companies to bring value to the market by integrating technology and ingredients.”
Solpro 958QS will be officially launched at FIE-Frankfurt, where visitors will be invited to taste neutral pH beverages, including one also fortified with vitamin D and with higher calcium levels than cow’s milk.
In recent years, Solbar has focused on developing a range of soy proteins designed for healthy foods and beverages in response to growing consumer demands.
The company has reportedly been the victim of a series of thefts in recent months, including a bulk of pulp earlier this week. According to Israeli press, Solbar’s profits are down by $450,000 in the third quarter of 2009 as a result of the thefts, but the company has assured that they will not affect deliveries to customers.