By Christian Philippsen, Managing Director, BENEO, Asia Pacific
Demand for dairy alternative products have been on the rise in Asia Pacific as consumers have become
increasinglyhealth and environmentally conscious, coupledwith therise in disposable income in urban areas.By
2028, the region is projected to experience the fastest rate of growth in the dairy alternatives market.
Among dairyalternative products, plant-based milk is aprogressively popular substitute for traditional cow’s milk.
For instance, in Singapore, a significant 62% of consumers who have tried plant-based milk beverages consume it
regularly, with 20% willing to switch their default dairy option to a plant-based alternative.
Protein Boost with Faba Beans
In the region, a substantial 40% of consumers expressed that having high protein levels is a key factor that
influences their decision to consume plant-based milk drinks. Recognising thischaracteristicas a pivotal factor in the
decision-making process, food manufacturers have a valuable opportunity to tap into thegrowing popularity of plant-
basedmilk by injecting higher protein content. This can be achieved by incorporating ingredients such as BENEO's
faba bean concentrateinto their plant-based milk drinks.
Faba bean, also known as fava or broad bean, is a source of dietary fibre, protein, and starch, as well as vitamin C,
folates, calcium, phosphorous, iron and zinc.Additionally, BENEO’s faba bean concentrates have a 60% protein
concentrate, making it ahealthy and nutritious enhancement to plant-based drinks.
Beyond their nutritional benefits, faba beansbring forth a host of textural advantages. The high solubility of faba
beanscreates a beautifully homogenous and stable drink with a pleasant texture and good taste, without any sediment
or a sandy mouthfeel in the beverage. Moreover, this ingredient has remarkable emulsifying and foaming properties
that help to create a smooth texture and flavour.These unique attributes enable food manufacturers to develop plant-
based milk drinks that not only meet nutritional standards, but also delight tastebuds.
In addition to the nutritional and technical advantages, the incorporation of faba beans in plant-based milk
contributes to advancing environmental sustainability in the production process. Faba beans, which are pulses, help
reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the farm level through ways such as providing nitrogen by themselves, and
subsequent plants so that nitrogen fertilisation is not necessary.BENEO’s faba beans are sourced and produced in
Germany in agreement with the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) and the Gold level for German farmers. Its
faba beans varieties are low in antinutritional factors (ANF) and are guaranteed non-GMO.
Theamalgamation of benefitshelps to sustain the demand for plant-based milk beverages, such as oat milk.The Asia-
Pacific oat milk market is estimated at US$353.90 million in 2023, and is anticipated to reach US$700.75 million by
2029.
Promoting Sustained Energy with Palatinose™
For enhanced nutritional value in plant-based milk products, incorporating BENEO’sPalatinose™as a healthier
carbohydrate is an excellent option. Palatinose™ (also known as isomaltulose) is a slowly, yet fully digestible, low
glycaemic carbohydrate that delivers energy in a steady and sustained way. The slower, yet complete digestion and
absorption of Palatinose™ is characterised by a longer lasting, steadier blood glucose response, without the
significant drops in blood glucose associated with conventional higher glycaemic sugars such as sucrose or
maltodextrin. The lower and more balanced blood glucose response results in less insulin release and an improved
metabolic profile.
As a low glycaemic carbohydrate, Palatinose™ promotes healthy blood glucose levels thathelps to manage the risks
of both non-communicable and communicable diseases.Extensive scientific research has shown that adopting a
carbohydrate-based diet with lower impact on blood glucose levels reduces the risk for developing metabolic
diseases such as diabetesmellitus, cardiovascular disease, and possibly overweight and obesity. Consuming high-
quality carbohydrates also improves one’s metabolic health and immune system, in turn helping the body fight
against viruses.
Furthermore, Palatinose™,which is derived from sugar beets, has a natural, mild sweet taste — making it a suitable
sucrose replacer. Classified as a disaccharide, it features a unique glucose-fructose binding which takes more time to
be broken down than sucrose.
The Balanced Mix
The synergy between faba beans and Palatinose™ in plant-based milk beverages reimagines sustainability, nutrition,
and innovation for the new generation of dairyalternative consumers. These two functional ingredients not only
serve as nourishing alternatives to traditional components, but also fulfil consumers’ desire for environmentally
conscious consumption. As the demand for plant-based milk continues to grow in the region, the incorporation of
innovative functional ingredientspaves the way for aneven more sustainable future for plant-based milk.
