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Meala FoodTech has launched Groundbaker, a single-ingredient pea protein solution designed to replicate the multifunctional performance of eggs in bakery applications.

The start-up said its new solution can reduce costs, decrease reliance on instable egg supplies and simplify formulations, streamlining production while responding to the evolving demands of today’s consumers.

Currently, the baking industry relies heavily on eggs to achieve the structure and texture consumers expect. However, recent avian flu outbreaks in the US and EU have led to significant egg shortages, straining supply chains and triggering fluctuating egg prices. This has resulted in growing cost pressures for manufacturers as well as sparking food safety concerns.

These challenges have spurred innovation in cost-effective and nutritious egg alternative ingredients across the food industry, with bakers seeking solutions that can match the performance of egg in products such as pound cakes, sponge cakes, brioches, pancakes, pre-made cake mixes and more.

According to Meala, its IP-protected technology provides ‘exceptional’ functionality across a range of sweet and savoury food applications. This is due to its gelling, binding, foaming, water-holding and emulsification functions.

The pea protein ingredient is clean label and free from common allergens. Meala said it has already attracted significant interest from CPG bakery manufacturers and commercial cake mix producers supplying both retailers and bakeries.

Hadar Ekhoiz-Razmovich, CEO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech, commented: “Replacing egg with a single, high-performance ingredient that can deliver the desired rise and lightness prized in bakery products is highly challenging”.

She noted that the product can easily be integrated into any food production line at low inclusion levels and reduce production costs for manufacturers.

Meala recently formed a strategic partnership with DSM-Firmenich to launch a texturizing pea protein for use in plant-based meat alternative applications, suitable for replacing modified binders and catering to increased demand for cleaner labels in the category.

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