Today, an estimated 59 million Americans are “cutting back on carbs”, including 42 million who are “trimming” their carbohydrate intake and 17 million who are following a specific low carbohydrate diet.(1) This dynamic trend, coupled with increasing obesity rates and concerns, points to a growing market opportunity for great-tasting, healthful, lower carbohydrate, higher protein foods and beverages.

With our vast portfolio of healthful, high protein soy ingredients, The Solae Company brings the technology, market insight and capabilities to help you capture this growing opportunity . . . and get to market quickly.

Why Soy Protein For “Low Carb”?

Higher protein diets, in general, can aid in reducing hunger and increasing satiety – helping an individual “feel full, longer” and leading to reduced calorie intake at subsequent meals. However, higher protein diets where animal proteins are the main source of the protein have been associated with negative effects on heart health, bone mass and kidney function, especially among individuals with high risks factors, such as those with type 2 diabetes.

Soy protein can aid in weight loss diets by providing a low-fat, cholesterol-free high quality protein that can assist in appetite control via the increased satiety effects associated with protein, without the negative effects associated with diets high in animal protein. In fact, diets based on soy protein* have been shown to provide cardiovascular health benefits, enhance glucose metabolism, improve bone health and assist in maintaining healthy renal function.**

A healthy perception among consumers

In addition, more and more consumers today recognize and are actively seeking the healthful benefits of soy protein in the foods they are choosing. With the positive health perception it enjoys in the marketplace, and a strong pipeline of research to support future health benefits, there’s never been a better time to consider soy protein as your “protein of choice” for more healthful, lower carbohydrate, higher protein foods and beverages.

* With isoflavones, naturally occurring bioactive components found in soy
** For more detailed insight on the benefits of soy protein for weight management, request our Nutrition Brief, “Soy Protein and Weight Management”.

Solutions from The Solae Company

The Solae Company offers formulation expertise in low carbohydrate, high protein food applications, and a wide range of soy-based ingredients that are ideally suited for such products:

• Soy protein isolates are over 90 percent protein on a dry weight basis, with less than one gram of carbohydrate per 100 grams of product.
• Soy protein concentrates offer a high protein content, typically 70 percent protein on a dry weight basis, and can also be considered a source of fiber.
• Soy protein nuggets are crispy, crunchy crisps that range from 60-80 percent protein and come in a variety of sizes and densities. They are ideal for adding high quality protein, along with a unique crunchy texture, to a variety of foods.
• FIBRIM brand soy fiber is an 80 percent total dietary fiber ingredient. FIBRIM soy fiber is a great option for food formulators seeking to build more dietary fiber into their product or targeting a particular “net carb*” goal.

With their high protein contents, our protein ingredients provide considerable formulation flexibility, while keeping your carbohydrate targets in sight. They are also a perfect fit for “low glycemic index” foods and foods targeting a particular “net carb*” level.

* “Net” Carbohydrate (g) = Total carbohydrate (g) – sugar alcohol (g) - dietary fiber (g) - resistant starch (g)

Capturing the Opportunity

Look to The Solae Company to help you capture the market opportunity, with capabilities and insights that will give your brands a running start in the marketplace.

• Technology Leadership: The Solae Company’s leading-edge ingredient technology and technical support capabilities are enabling many food companies today to quickly capitalize on the opportunity in low carbohydrate, high protein foods and beverages.
• Nutrition Insight: With more than 35 years of nutrition research behind our products and a growing pipeline of new research, The Solae Company leads the industry in supporting research to discover the many health benefits of soy-based foods.
• Market Expertise: Our market and consumer insights help food companies identify new opportunities in better-for-you foods and beverages, understand consumer needs and effectively position products based on the health value of our ingredients in the marketplace.

Contact Us for More Information

If you are considering the opportunity in low carbohydrate, high protein foods or beverages, contact us today.

SOLAE® and FIBRIM® are registered trademarks of Solae, LLC.