Australian National Science Agency Transforms Red Meat Into Powder
The powder can be used in protein balls, shakes, and energy drinks.
Australia’s national science agency is converting red meat cuts into protein powders to target the multi-billion health and wellness industry.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) explains that the new “highly nutritious powder” provides an allergen-free protein boost to snacks and beverages.
This powder can be utilized in a wide range of products from protein balls to shakes and energy drinks.
Taste testing of the new product is happening at Beef 2024, an event taking place from May 5 to 11 in Rockhampton, Queensland.
CSIRO aims to capture a $3.8 billion (US$2.5 billion) market in the health and wellness industry with this innovative product.
Feeding the 9.7 billion World Population by 2050
CSIRO animal protein lead, Aarti Tobin, mentioned that the powder could serve as an ingredient in a broad range of products.
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“It’s mild in flavour and highly soluble so we’ve easily added it to snacks like sweet protein balls in our product development kitchen, with promising results to take to product trials.
“We’re looking at new protein products to meet changing consumer preferences and which will play a big role in feeding a growing world population that’s set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.”
The USDA recently released a report regarding future food shortages. It said that the breakdowns in the global supply chain—starting during the pandemic and continuing today due to conflict—have wreaked havoc on our food supply.
Transport to Remote Locations
Highlighting the product’s advantages, CSIRO noted that protein powder supports food security by delivering meat’s nutritional benefits to remote locations.
Further, it suggests it can be used in disaster relief by overcoming refrigeration and transportation hurdles.
CSIRO is collaborating with commercial partners and investors to bring the protein powder innovation to market. For example, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is an investor and partner working with CSIRO to deliver the product.
MLA group manager Michael Lee believes the product will be able to capitalize on market demand for red meat worldwide.
“There is a growing global demand for convenient and nutritious food as the world’s population increases,” Mr. Lee said.
He added that meat protein powder can help “cater to this demand” by providing a shelf-stable, simple-to-transport, and versatile source of protein.
“By converting meat into essentially a food ingredient, this also creates another revenue stream for the industry beyond our traditional meat trading options,” he said.
CSIRO will be hosting a Protein Futures 2024 event in Sydney on May 28 and 29 to explore global demand for high-quality protein.
“The global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, fueling the demand for protein,” CSIRO said.
“The increasing global demand for high-quality protein opens up new growth opportunities for Australia’s agrifood industry.”
