Desenvolvimento de formulações hiperproteicas de origem vegetal destinadas a grupos-alvo específicos

Abstract

The demand for food with high protein content has increased, and consequently there has been a growing interest of the industry to innovate in this area and to launch products containing nutrition claims related to the protein content. This work aims to develop protein formulations of vegetable origin for specific target groups, namely children (1-3 years and 4-9 years), teenagers, seniors, sportsmen and consumers interested in controlling their weight. The study involved the screening of potential protein sources to include in the project and subsequent selection based on their nutritional and organoleptic characteristics, and cost. At the end of the project, 16 protein sources were selected, among which pulses, cereals, tubers, seeds and microalgae. The assumptions for the formulations were established based on the desired protein content in the finished product and the reference energetic needs for each of the target groups. Thus, the formulations were optimized throughout the project, taking into account the adaptation of assumptions after experiencing technological barriers, the selection and/or a combination of protein sources that overcomes the group’s needs, and the use of additives to ensure the “Clean Label” whenever possible, such as the replacement of citric acid and modified corn starch by natural agents such as lemon juice and native corn starch, respectively. The final formulations considered, all “Clean Label”, had a common assumption that at least 12% of the total energy value of the finished product comes from protein, and specific assumptions for each of the target groups were also fulfilled, such as meeting their nutritional requirements, particularly in essential amino acids. In order to simplify large-scale development of the formulations, and to assist a future enrichment in any preparation developed by the company, 21 protein mixes whose constitution included flour and powdered proteins selected for the desired mixture, which were stored as raw material, were also developed. The protein mixes formulation was performed considering the needs of each target group, and were based on all the technological experience gathered during the project development.

Date of Award	18 Feb 2016
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Pilar Filipa Ribeiro Valinhas Morais (Supervisor)