Dutch food-tech Revyve has introduced its new minimally processed egg replacement ingredient at IFT First 2024, suitable for use in clean label burgers.
According to the company, its new ingredient can help manufacturers to bring a ‘meaty bite’ to plant-based burgers while providing an alternative to animal-derived texturizers and additives.
Eggs have long been regarded as staple texturizers and binders in processed foods, such as meat and vegetarian burgers. However, Revyve believes that eggs have ‘lost their appeal’ due to shifting prices, unstable supply, food safety and allergy concerns, and demand for more ethical, sustainable solutions.
Mimicking the performance of eggs without starches, emulsifiers, unfamiliar binders and E-numbers can be a challenge. Revyve believes its new clean label solution could address this, fulfilling the demand from consumers who do not wish to compromise on the texture and mouthfeel that eggs impart on burgers and other foods. Consumers are also increasingly seeking shorter and simpler labels featuring recognisable ingredients.
Revyve has developed its texturizing ingredient using upcycled brewer’s yeast, offering functionalities such as heat-set gelling, binding and emulsification thanks to its yeast proteins, said to behave like egg whites when used in plant-based patty formulations.
“When cooked in a patty mixture, Revyve becomes firm yet springy, forming a binding network around the other ingredients,” said Edgar Suarez Garcia, the company’s chief technology officer and co-founder.
He added: “Revyve’s secret lies in the unique combination of functional proteins and fibers created by our patented technology. Manufacturers appreciate that when paired with other ingredients, Revyve can eliminate the need for methylcellulose, which has numerous functional and labeling downsides.”
According to the brand, its product is price-competitive with eggs and is already being used to redesign and formulate new products by manufacturers looking to target emerging trends. The ingredient is easy to use with standard processing equipment and complies with international regulatory requirements.
