Roquette’s clean-tasting pea protein to cut masking agent use

Roquette has unveiled Nutralys Pea 850F, a next-generation pea protein isolate engineered to eliminate the “vegetal” off-notes that have long hindered plant-based formulation.

For food scientists and product developers, the launch marks a significant shift in how botanical proteins are handled. By addressing flavour issues at the molecular level rather than through secondary additives, the new isolate allows for shorter ingredient decks and faster R&D timelines.

Historically, formulating with pea protein has been a balancing act. While prized for its sustainability and nutritional density, its characteristic “earthy” profile often required complex flavouring systems or masking agents to make products palatable.

Nutralys Pea 850F changes the math for formulators by providing:

• Neutral sensory profile: expert panels confirm a smoother, cleaner taste that requires less flavour intervention.
• Clean label integrity: Because the flavour is improved at the source, manufacturers can list “pea protein” on the label without adding chemical masking aids.
• Technical parity: the isolate maintains the high emulsion capacity and solubility of Roquette’s industry-standard S85F, ensuring stability in liquid and gel formats.

“From a formulation standpoint, reducing off-notes at source makes an immediate difference,” says Adeline Morcet, application scientist at Roquette. “It allows producers to focus on texture and nutrition rather than compensating for flavour challenges.”

The timing of the launch aligns with two explosive market trends. First, the surge in ready-to-drink (RTD) and ready-to-mix (RTM) beverages, where solubility and grit-free mouthfeel are paramount.

Second, Roquette is positioning the ingredient to capture the burgeoning GLP-1 companion food market. As more consumers use weight-loss medications, demand for high-protein, nutrient-dense “mini-meals” has spiked. Statistics show a 29% growth in products featuring combined protein and weight management claims over the last year.

The isolate is designed to be a “plug-and-play” solution across several high-growth categories:

• Dairy alternatives: for cleaner-tasting milks and yogurts.
• Specialised nutrition: high-protein powders for athletes and seniors.
• Hybrid products: Improving the sensory profile of blended meat/plant entries.

Benjamin Voiry, global protein product marketing at Roquette, concludes: “We have tackled the problem at the ingredient level… giving manufacturers the freedom to create products that consumers genuinely enjoy, with cleaner formulations.”