Protein Industries Canada is teaming up with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and the Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre (CDIC) on a new pilot project, aimed at meeting the demand for made-in-Canada protein alternatives that meet the flavour and nutrition profiles of their traditional counterparts.
$48.7 million CAD has been invested into the project, announced Wednesday, as Protein Industries Canada works with LDC and CDIC, to develop new pea protein ingredients and finished food products.
In a release, they say the goal is to create new products that offer a wide range of nutritious and tasty protein options for for consumers, especially seniors who are looking to manage muscle loss and sarcopenia, which involves the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength and function.
As well, they note the pea protein ingredients can be used in food and feed products, to help strengthen Canada's domestic food supply chain, and boost market access potential for Canada pea crops.
LDC has developed a pea protein isolate that will be produced at their new Yorkton facility, which is currently under construction, and expected to be operational by the end of the year.
CDIC has come up with a number of food products that make use of LDC's pea protein isolate, focusing on the ingredient's sensory properties, as well as the potential health benefits for an aging population.
