Nestlé actively explores the use of plant-based ingredients to bring nutritious proteins to consumers in an affordable and sustainable way. With many people unable to access an adequate and diverse diet, the company sees expanding access to nutritious and sustainable food as more important than ever.
Recently, Nestlé launched Maggi Soya Chunks, a tasty, affordable, plant-based meat alternative that enables consumers in Central and West Africa to add high-quality protein to their everyday food. Each pack provides enough protein for up to eight people, with less saturated fats and cholesterol, at a lower cost compared to animal protein. “We’re focused on using more plant-based ingredients as part of our efforts to deliver affordable, nutritious products that contribute to closing the protein gap that exists for many consumers,” says Céline Worth, R&D program manager for affordable nutrition at Nestlé.
The soya chunks offer a taste, texture, and functionality close to meat, making them a versatile protein source for a variety of family meals. In addition, the product comes in a shelf-stable format, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers, including those in areas with a limited cold supply chain.
Shivani Hegde, global category lead for affordable nutrition at Nestlé, states: “The launch of Maggi Soya Chunks is another key step in our endeavor to offer our consumers convenient, enjoyable and sustainable food solutions that are nutritious, accessible and affordable.”
By leveraging its global reach and innovation capabilities, Nestlé believes it is well placed to deliver novel concepts for affordable nutrition. The company is also exploring products that combine the goodness of milk and plant-based ingredients, thus bringing the best of both worlds to consumers. An example is the recent launch of Nido Milk & Soya, an affordable and nutritious instant powdered beverage made with a blend of milk and soy and containing essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron and calcium.
