Whether it’s a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or the rich foam atop a coffee, animal-derived dairy products are celebrated for their creamy texture, a desirable trait in many beloved foods and beverages. This smooth mouthfeel is primarily due to casein, a milk protein that helps form a stable emulsion, preventing the separation of fat and water. As plant-based companies strive to replicate these qualities in products like vegan nut milks, cheeses, and sauces, they often fall short in achieving the same level of creaminess, and none have successfully matched the nutritional and functional attributes of animal-based casein.
Alternative protein company Pureture aims to address this gap with its innovative plant-based casein product. Unlike many competitors, Pureture, based in New York, offers a non-GMO and entirely plant-based option. According to Danny Yang, head of business development at Pureture, many rivals in the market are genetically modifying casein by altering the DNA sequences of animal-derived casein, extracting it from animal cells, and incorporating it into plant-based products. “The biggest challenge we face with plant-based offerings is that the protein sources being added often fail to bind effectively with the base fats and oils,” Yang noted in an interview. “This leads to the inclusion of starches and gums in the ingredient list, resulting in unnecessary additives.”
Pureture derives its protein from yeast. After cultivating yeast in a 50-liter fermentation tank, it goes through an enrichment phase before the protein is isolated. The emulsification properties of the protein are then assessed prior to the spray drying process, which converts it from liquid to powder form. The company operates three 30,000-liter tanks, producing an annual output of 24,000 tons of protein. This entire multi-step process, involving yeast fermentation, protein recovery, and emulsification, is conducted continuously, allowing Pureture to price its product 20% to 30% lower than traditional dairy ingredients. Since Pureture employs a conventional fermentation method, it faces fewer regulatory challenges for market entry. Their product is designed to mimic the stretch, melt, and creaminess of conventional dairy products, a feat that many other brands in the sector have struggled to achieve.
Nutritional labels for many nut milks often contain extensive ingredient lists. For instance, Oatly includes additives such as dipotassium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and tricalcium phosphate. Brands that seek to minimize such additives often produce plant-based dairy alternatives that can have a chalky texture and prone to separation. Pureture is focused on recreating the texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits of animal-derived dairy products while maintaining affordability. “If you examine most consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands in the alternative protein sector, you’ll likely find zero grams of protein per serving,” Yang commented.
The company has also managed to streamline its spray drying process, which typically incurs high costs. The recent decline in demand for baby formula in South Korea, where Pureture is produced, combined with the advantageous infrastructure in the region, has allowed for more cost-effective operations. Ultimately, Pureture aims for its plant-based casein product to become a leading option in the plant-based dairy market. “We’re here to expand the industry as a whole,” Yang stated. “The potential of this technology far exceeds just our brand alone.”
Pureture’s objective is to establish a business-to-business model, enabling other plant-based companies to utilize their casein product to replace additives and gums without compromising on flavor, making it accessible to all brands in the industry. Recently, the company conducted a final round of taste testing with its investors and is close to forming a partnership with a major dairy alternative brand, according to Yang. Pureture also intends to collaborate with established dairy companies to co-brand its product and partner with global ingredient suppliers to broaden its application and influence the industry. “Most of our direct competitors are still in the sampling or pilot stages, but we are already preparing for commercial scaling within a year,” he added.
In addition to its innovative approach, Pureture recognizes the importance of calcium citrate evaluation of medication effectiveness in the broader context of nutrition and health. By focusing on the nutritional benefits of its products, Pureture aims to contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding dietary supplements and their efficacy, ensuring that consumers receive both taste and health in their choices.