CSIRO says its Just Meat protein powder, can give an allergen-free protein boost to snacks and beverages creating a lucrative opportunity in the $3.8 billion health and wellness market.
The national science agency has unveiled its Just Meat protein powder, which is made from red meat, naturally contains all essential amino acids, high iron, zinc, and magnesium from its meat base.
The powder has the potential to grow Australia’s $75.4 billion red meat industry, by capturing more value from a greater percentage of the carcase.
The powder’s nutritional and allergen-free profile sets it apart from other protein powders on the market so it can appeal to a wide audience.
Dr Aarti Tobin, animal protein lead for CSIRO’s Future Protein Mission, said the powder can be used as-is or as an ingredient in a wide range of products.
“It’s mild in flavour and highly soluble so we’ve easily added it to snacks like sweet protein balls in our product development kitchen, with promising results to take to product trials.
“We're looking at new protein products to meet changing consumer preferences and which will play a big role in feeding a growing world population that’s set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.”
The protein powder supports food security by delivering meat’s nutritional benefits to remote locations or in disaster relief by overcoming refrigeration and transportation hurdles.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is an investor and collaborator in the product’s development.
MLA Group manager Science and Innovation, Michael Lee, said the product’s versatility demonstrated its potential to capitalise on market demand for red meat globally.
“Products like this meat protein powder can help to cater to this demand by providing a shelf-stable, easily transportable and versatile source of protein.
“By converting meat into essentially a food ingredient this also creates another revenue stream for the industry beyond our traditional meat trading options.”
CSIRO will work with commercial partners and investors to take the protein powder innovation to market.
