Studies on a plant-based, high protein fruit beverage

Introduction and Background Aventure AB has created a "between-meal beverage" with high protein and energy content aimed at older and/or physically active individuals. Aventure AB wished to transform this high energy drink to a plant-based product, because of the growing trend of plant-based diets. Aim The aim of this project was to replace the protein source in the beverage ”Skaka & smaka - strawberry taste”, while maintaining good flavour and texture. The original beverage contains whey protein, which was to be replaced with a vegetable source. Materials and methods A new plant-based beverage was developed from the original recipe. Four different alternative protein sources were added and evaluated with regard to taste, visual look, pH, dry matter, viscosity, brix, protein and energy content. To beverages based on different protein sources, four different juice concentrates were added in varying combinations and concentrations. Aromas were also added and a change of the fruit-purée recipe was made. The salt concentration was modified. The final product was evaluated through a consumer sensory analysis at a sports centre in Lund. The participants were asked to judge it by first impression, colour, odour, flavour, texture and overall impression on a 9-point hedonic scale. 76 individuals participated and compared the original beverage with the new plant-based one. Results and Discussion A beverage containing pea protein with a combination of a new fruit purée with a reduced amount of strawberries but an increased amount of bananas was selected as the most promising candidate. Further improvement of this beverage included addition of a juice concentrate mixture (6 mL/100 g), containing 50 % apple concentrate + 50 % lime concentrate. The salt content in the beverage was 0.03 g salt/100 g beverage. The sensory analysis revealed a significant difference regarding the first impression and flavour in favour of the original beverage, while a significant difference in colour appeared in favour of the new one containing pea protein. 19.6 % of the participating women, and 22.5 % of the men claimed that they would buy the new plant-based beverage. Conclusion A plant-based version of Skaka & smaka has been developed, and the sensory analysis indicates that the new product has potential on today's market. However, the beverage requires further development to satisfy all the needs within the target group