ChickP’s Breakthrough Chickpea Isolate Creates Delicious and Nutritious Plant-Based Cheese Alternatives
ChickP Protein, Ltd. has developed new prototypes of plant-based cream cheese and firm cheddar cheese analogues that taste just like the real thing, thanks to its patented chickpea isolate. The new cheese alternatives are highly nutritious and have the potential to revolutionize the plant-based food industry.
According to a survey conducted by the Smart Protein Project in 10 countries, cheese is the leading animal-based food product, but there is a growing willingness to shift to plant-based versions. However, consumers are often dissatisfied with the taste, texture, and nutritional value of existing plant-based cheese products. ChickP’s chickpea isolate addresses these concerns, providing a powerful and nutritional boost to plant-based food applications with a 90% whole protein composition.
ChickP’s cream cheese formulation combines the chickpea isolate with water, coconut oil, and starch. The tangy cheese-like flavor is obtained via fermentation with lactic bacteria, just like the traditional milk-based process. As a cultured product, it is naturally replete with probiotic benefits. The company’s firm cheddar cheese analogue is also produced via fermentation and delivers the bold, earthy flavor and chewy texture of real cheddar cheese.
ChickP’s breakthrough formulations have the potential to help manufacturers fast-track the customization of plant-based cheese products that genuinely respond to consumers’ cravings for a delicious cheesy experience. The company is currently developing analogues of other popular cheeses, such as emmental, parmesan, and mozzarella, and is working with traditional dairy manufacturers to help them tailor signature cheese products. With demand for plant-based cheese expected to reach a market value of USD7 billion by the end of 2030, ChickP’s innovative chickpea isolate could play a vital role in meeting this demand while addressing consumers’ concerns about taste, texture, and nutrition.