Consumer expectations for clean label products continue to rise. Surveys by the Good Food Institute and Innova Market Insights show that familiar ingredients and shorter ingredient lists increasingly influence purchasing decisions. But clean label is not just a matter of switching out individual ingredients. It requires a carefully balanced combination of ingredients, processing expertise, and functionality, as demonstrated by Planteneers’ clean label systems.
Clean Label for Plant-Based Snacks
Manufacturers can satisfy the rising demand for mini meals and hearty snacks with functional systems from the Planteneers fiildMeat line. These supply the basis for clean label solutions in the meat and sausage alternative category. One example is a system for making meatballs, smash burgers, beef jerky, or entirely new concepts based on wheat protein. A wide range of plant-based ingredients can be incorporated, from mushrooms for a more umami flavor to visible pieces of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or corn. Higher fiber and protein contents are also possible. The final products are pre-cooked and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Various trendy flavor versions enable attractive product offerings. Examples include “Mexican Style” with corn, jalapeño, black beans, and coriander, “Asian Style” with spring onions, tamari, sesame, ginger, and edamame, or “Mediterranean” with tomato paste, zucchini, oregano, and smoked paprika powder. Curry variations or classic garden vegetable recipes are also possible.
A system for making plant-based alternatives to clean label salami based on wheat protein likewise uses the synergies and interactions between the ingredients to create the characteristic bite and texture of salami. In addition to conventional applications like cold cuts and salami sticks, it is ideal for convenience products like plant-based snack salami or heat-resistant pizza toppings. High-protein concepts as well as chorizo- and pepperoni-style varieties further expand the range of plant-based clean label solutions. At Planteneers, clean label refers to formulations that do not require the declaration of E-numbers. The “No additives” claim indicates that a product is free of certain additives such as preservatives, flavor enhancers, or added artificial flavorings. Instead, natural flavors and seasoning mixes provide individual flavor experiences.
Focus on Methylcellulose and Carrageenan
In addition to clean label in general, certain individual ingredients are also receiving increasing attention. In the meat and sausage alternative space one of those is methylcellulose. Planteneers therefore offers special systems that are not just free from declarable additives, but also from methylcellulose. This enables manufacturers to meet consumer demand for natural plant-based alternatives, without compromising on taste and texture.
For the dairy alternative segment Planteneers has developed declaration-friendly systems that work without carrageenan. “Carrageenan is a highly effective tool for stabilizing texture and mouthfeel in plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. It helps inhibit the sedimentation of proteins and other components, and provides a creamy, homogeneous consistency,” explains Dr. Pia Meinlschmidt, Head of Product Management at Planteneers. “However, consumers are critical of this ingredient, as it is strongly associated with highly processed foods and controversial health debates, regardless of its proven safety on the regulatory side. Therefore, for many consumers ‘carrageenan-free’ can be a more tangible message than a general clean label claim can. It directly addresses one of the most common consumer concerns and thus supports the acceptance of plant-based products.”
Declaration-Friendly Dairy Alternatives
For example, the fiildDairy NEB series includes a carrageenan-free functional system for the manufacture of hybrid as well as purely plant-based mixed milk beverages in various flavors. It enables the production of hybrid mixed milk beverages with up to 50% less dairy milk, the same fat content, and full dairy-like taste. The lower content of saturated fatty acids and the possibility of making protein and low-sugar claims, when regulatory criteria are met, further contribute to a health-oriented image. Purely plant-based products can be based on raw materials like almonds, rice, oats, or buckwheat. The protein content can be set as desired, either at the level of conventional milk or higher for special high-protein concepts.
Another carrageenan-free functional system is designed for plant-based alternatives to pudding, whether conventional pudding or high-protein varieties with up to ten percent protein. Oats, coconut, and soy are suitable as plant-based protein bases. The final products have a creamy texture. A wide variety of flavor options are possible, from popular classics like chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut to cookies and salted caramel.
Planteneers has also developed a special clean-label concept for the ice cream category. This plant-based premix enables lactose-free, fiber-rich ice creams that feature authentic dairy ice cream texture and are free from declarable E-numbers, additives, and flavorings, as well as containing less sugar. The system is ideal for a wide range of declaration-free ice cream alternatives, from premium ice cream, soft serve ice cream, and frozen yogurt to frappé type desserts.
These examples demonstrate that clean label is about far more than shortening an ingredient list. Success depends on combining carefully selected raw materials, functional expertise, and processing know-how to deliver the naturalness, taste, and texture consumers expect.
