Royal DSM has announced the launch of Maxavor Fish YE – a new vegan, 100 percent allergen-free flavour solution. Derived from algal oil, this unique innovation allows food manufacturers to deliver an authentic fish taste and mouthfeel in a variety of plant-based fish alternative applications, in addition to fish-based products.
Answering today’s growing appetite for vegan fish flavours, Maxavor Fish YE offers manufacturers of plant- and fish-based foods two taste profiles (Maxavor Fish M YE and Maxavor Fish W YE) to emulate the body, mouthfeel and taste of distinct fish varieties; one for rich and oily dark fish and another for fresh, light and fleshy white fish. Maxavor Fish YE can therefore be used to create a wide range of appealing plant-based fish alternative and fish-based products, such as vegetarian fish nuggets, vegan fish sauce and fish cakes. Maxavor Fish YE is also Kosher and Halal certified and suitable for several label claims.
Following considerable growth in the meat alternatives category, plant-based fish alternatives are emerging as an appealing option for the rising numbers of people adopting flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. For example, 28 percent of consumers across nine countries in Europe reported that they regularly consume fish alternatives. Plant-based fish alternatives also present a more sustainable option for food manufacturers who are looking for ways to address growing concerns over the world’s diminishing fish resources – 33 percent of fish stocks are currently over-fished. However, it can be a challenge for food producers to develop authentic-tasting, sustainable and label-friendly plant-based fish alternatives; most commercially available seafood flavours require the processing of fish/crustaceans, or are unable to meet Kosher or Halal needs.
“The market for plant-based fish alternatives is showing exciting potential, and DSM is proud to be at the forefront of the industry as we introduce the innovative Maxavor Fish YE flavour,” comments Gilbert Verschelling, Director Business Development & Innovation at DSM.
“Part of DSM’s broad portfolio of plant-based solutions and Maxavor range of vegan flavours, this unique, algal oil-derived flavour will undoubtedly help our customers create great-tasting, label-friendly plant-based fish alternatives and fish-based products that meet diverse consumer preferences and that help combat overfishing in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 ‘Life Below Water’.”
The innovative Maxavor Fish YE flavour was designed to help producers create a broad range of product positionings and mask the strong flavours typically imparted by plant-based proteins. Added during the blending of dry ingredients, Maxavor Fish YE is also low in salt, enabling producers to tailor sodium levels and achieve the desired taste and texture, without compromising a product’s nutritional profile.