Faba Bean Protein: Overcoming Formulation Challenges in Protein-Enriched Food Applications

In today’s food and beverage industry, protein enrichment has become a pivotal trend, driven by consumers’ growing awareness of health and nutrition. High-protein products are in demand across various categories, from bakery and dairy (alternatives) to sports nutrition and savoury foods.

Incorporating additional protein into products presents several challenges for manufacturers. Achieving the desired functional properties, such as solubility and texture, can be complex, especially when using plant-based proteins. With taste still being the number one purchase driver, it is certainly a critical factor to consider, as some plant proteins may impart undesirable flavours that need to be masked. On top of that, formulation issues, including maintaining product stability and meeting clean-label demands, add further layers of complexity. Furthermore, sustainability considerations also play a key role, with consumers and companies seeking environmentally friendly ingredient solutions.

Faba bean protein emerges as a promising solution to these challenges, offering a balance of high-quality nutrition, functional benefits and sustainable sourcing. Its versatility makes it an attractive option for manufacturers aiming to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers.

Consumer Demand Is Shaping the Future of Protein

Consumer demand for plant-based protein has been on the rise due to various factors, such as dietary preferences, sustainability and health benefits. More than four in 10 consumers view balanced protein as a key factor when evaluating ingredient labels, highlighting the importance of both quality and quantity in protein sources.

Faba bean protein, with its superior nutritional profile and versatility, is well-positioned to meet this consumer demand for balanced, plant-based protein solutions.

Related: Dairy-Free Done Right: The Rise of Faba Bean Ingredients

The Nutritional Edge of Faba Bean Protein

As consumer demand for high-protein products is high, food manufacturers are seeking innovative solutions that deliver both nutritional value and functional performance. BENEO’s faba bean protein concentrate stands out as a premium and cost-effective ingredient for plant-based protein enrichment, offering a well-balanced essential amino acid profile, excellent digestibility and a clean-label appeal.

Faba bean protein concentrate boasts a high protein content, making it an ideal choice for boosting the protein levels in a wide range of food applications, from bakery and dairy alternatives to plant-based meat and sports bars. Its fine particle size and light colour ensure seamless integration into formulations.

Another key advantage of faba bean protein is its good essential amino acid profile. Particularly its richness in lysine, an essential amino acid often limited in cereal-based proteins. This makes it an excellent complement to wheat, rice or oat proteins, enabling manufacturers to create products with improved protein quality and better nutritional balance.

Furthermore, faba bean protein is naturally free from major allergens and is GMO-free. This makes it a valuable ingredient for formulating allergen-friendly products that cater to a broader audience without compromising on nutritional benefits.

Functional Benefits of Faba Elevate Food Formulations

Beyond its nutritional value, BENEO’s faba bean protein concentrate provides key technical advantages that improve texture and stability in a variety of applications.

Faba bean protein plays a crucial role in improving the texture and structure of certain food products. In bakery applications, it helps build texture in, for example, egg-free muffins and biscuits.

Thanks to its excellent foaming and emulsifying properties compared to other plant proteins, faba bean protein is particularly well suited for dairy alternatives. It helps maintain texture and stability in products such as plant-based yogurts, desserts and whipping cream,

Unlike some other plant proteins, faba bean protein has a naturally mild taste with very little off-notes. This makes it easier to integrate into formulations without the need for extensive masking agents, allowing food manufacturers to maintain clean-label positioning while ensuring an appealing flavor profile.

Why Combine Faba Bean with Rice Protein?

Pairing faba bean protein with rice protein creates a complete plant-based protein solution with enhanced nutritional benefits. While faba bean protein is rich in lysine but lower in methionine, rice protein complements it with higher methionine levels, resulting in a complete essential amino acid profile that meets the needs of high-protein formulations.

Created by our experts from the BENEO Technology Center, an example of the fantastic combination of faba bean protein and rice protein is this recipe for a protein bar. This healthy snack offers a high protein content with a complete essential amino acid profile. It is ideal for sports nutrition that can support muscle recovery.

A Cost-Efficient Solution for High-Quality Protein

Currently, severe bird flu outbreaks are leading to the culling of millions of laying hens, egg shortages and price surges, impacting food manufacturers worldwide. In regions like the US and Europe, egg prices have soared due to supply disruptions, making cost-effective alternatives more crucial than ever.

With these unpredictable events and rising egg prices impacting food manufacturers in various parts of the world, faba bean protein offers a cost-effective alternative for egg replacement. Its high protein concentration makes it a valuable ingredient for reducing or replacing eggs in bakery and other formulations, helping to stabilize costs while maintaining a good texture and nutritional value. As a plant-based solution with functional benefits, faba bean protein concentrate provides an efficient way to develop high-protein products that meet consumer demand.

Related: Faba in Bakery: Going Egg-Free with Faba Beans

Sustainable and Clean-Label Solutions

Faba bean protein concentrate is an excellent choice for manufacturers prioritizing sustainability. Sourced from European-grown faba beans, it boasts a low environmental footprint, requiring minimal water and fertilizers compared to other protein sources. Moreover, its dry fractionation process — where no water is used and energy input is kept to a minimum — further enhances its sustainability credentials. This clean processing method ensures a natural ingredient that supports clean-label positioning, aligning with the growing consumer demand for transparency and eco-conscious food production.

The Future of Food with Faba Bean Protein

As the demand for high-protein, sustainable and clean-label ingredients remains important for consumers all over the globe, faba bean protein concentrate stands out as a game-changer for food manufacturers. Its nutritional and functional benefits, combined with cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly production, make it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications — from bakery and dairy alternatives to sports nutrition and plant-based innovations.

By incorporating faba bean protein into formulations, brands can meet consumer expectations for high-quality, nutritious and sustainable products while overcoming common formulation challenges. With its versatility and growing market appeal, faba bean protein is paving the way for the future of food.

If you want to know more about BENEO’s faba bean protein, visit the website: Faba bean protein from BENEO | BeneoPro FB.

Sources: BENEO Global Plant-Based and Meat Hybrids Survey 2023, HealthFocus International Global Trends 2024, Mintel: Proteins and Protein Alternatives – US – 2024, Innova Trends Survey 2024 and Innova Health & Nutrition Survey 2023.