P R O T E I N A LT E R N AT I V E S
Hail the power of pea protein An explosion of plant-based food has seen predictions of huge growth in the next ten years. The targeted audience is consumers at large and not just traditional vegetarians or vegans. DID YOU KNOW?
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AGT is a value-added pulse, staple food and ingredient processor for the export and domestic markets. Through its offices and processing facilities located in some of the best agricultural growing regions in Canada, the US, Turkey, China, Australia and South Africa, AGT produces a full range of pulses and speciality crops and food ingredients.
GT Foods began developing and producing pea protein - introducing it to the South African market as far back as 2013. ‘Pea protein is one of the best plant-based forms of protein that you can eat. It is versatile, functional and 100 per cent natural,’ explains George Tomazos, AGT Foods retail and food ingredients, South Africa. The company produces pea protein for inclusion in a variety of food, such as cereals, bread, protein powders and bars. It is a GMO and hormone-free alternative to soya in the baking and food manufacturing industries. ‘These ingredients are not derived from any of the eight most common allergenic food used to create protein supplements. These are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat. Pea protein is a safe option for people with various dietary restrictions,’ Tomazos points out. ‘Pea protein is a complete protein, which means it contains “AGT Foods produces pea protein for inclusion all nine of the essential in a variety of food… it is a GMO and hormoneamino acids - including branched-chain amino acids free alternative to soya in the baking and food (BCAAs) that consumers need to manufacturing industries” effectively build muscle. It also digests slowly. There is evidence that slower-digesting proteins are better for muscle growth over the long term. This is due to how your body’s muscle-building machinery processes amino acids into muscle tissue,’ he adds. Pea protein can be included in daily diets by mixing it into smoothies, muffins, oatmeal and even pancakes and is gaining popularity with consumers as it is easy on the stomach, unlike many other protein powders. While the traditional market was the nutritional sector for sports, ingredient manufacturers are producing a variety of pea protein products to meet consumer demand for healthier food options. •
AGT Foods – www.agt.co.za
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Food Review | August 2019
