We are seeing a global trend for increased consumption of pulse proteins. Drivers include its excellent nutritional profile and the fact that it isn’t meat.

Pulses are members of the legume family that contain high levels of protein. According to the records of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), there are 11 types of pulses including dry beans, lupines, dry broad beans, vetches, dry peas, Bambara beans, chickpeas and lentils.

The nutritional profile of pulses – with a high protein and fibre content and being low in fat – makes them an attractive option for health conscious consumers; particularly those looking for protein-rich foods.

Pulse protein is an affordable and healthy plant-based protein. Awareness about the benefits of plant-based products over animal-based products is increasing in developed countries, which is naturally creating greater demand for such proteins in these regions. 

Pulse protein products

Most pulses contain about 17-30 percent protein. Pulse proteins are extracted from pulses such as peas, chickpeas, lentils, beans, etc, as they contain high levels of glutamic acid, lysine, aspartic acid and arginine, as well as essential amino acids. These are the building blocks of body tissue (including skin, hair and nails), muscles, DNA/RNA, hormones and enzymes that help the body and immune system to function normally. Pulse protein provides approximately 30 percent of the iron required per day in a single serving and, being rich in lysine and arginine, it is especially beneficial for individuals with active lifestyles. 

Plant-based and other vegetarian protein sources align with increased consumer interest in reducing red meat consumption and a growing preference for vegetarian and vegan products. 

Preventive care to boost the segment

Consumers are rapidly shifting towards consumption of dietary supplements for better health, to prevent future health-related issues and to meet dietary requirements. A growing number of consumers, especially baby boomers, are consuming dietary supplements to prevent chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and visual and memory loss related to ageing. 

Moreover, consumers are also looking to plant and pulse proteins to cure common diseases such as colds and digestive problems. Consequently, the demand for such plant proteins as pulse proteins has shown robust growth across the globe in the past 10 years.

Meat analogues 

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in consumption of meat analogues, also known as a meat substitutes, meat surrogates and meat replacement foods. These analogues have high protein and nutritional content similar to that of meat, making them widely popular among vegetarians worldwide.

Meat alternatives are very diverse and can be purchased from outlets such as natural food stores, leading supermarkets, and food cooperatives in developed and some developing countries across the globe. The inclusion of pulse proteins as an ingredient in these emerging products is also impacting the growth of the global pulse protein market.

By New Food

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Editors Note:

If you have any suggestion to the content, 

please email: Julia.Zhang@ubmsinoexpo.com