MINNEAPOLIS — SunOpta, a US-based global food and beverage company focused on sustainable plant-based products, released its new OatGold protein powder for use in baked goods, savory snacks, dips and spreads.
The powder is both protein-packed and planet friendly, made from byproducts of the increasingly popular accompanist to coffee and cereal: oatmilk. OatGold received its official certification from the Upcycled Food Association last month, meeting the rigorous standards set by the organization.
“We divert insoluble solids from the oatbase manufacturing process to create a reimagined ingredient that is nutrient-dense and delicious,” said Lauren McNamara, VP and assistant general manager at SunOpta. “Upcycling is elevating all food to its highest and best use by transforming surplus ingredients into new, high-quality products like OatGold. It’s a quintessential example of the combined power of innovation and sustainability at SunOpta.”
The product is made through a proprietary enzymatic extraction process used to produce oatbase, the primary ingredient derived from oats and used in oatmilk production. The powder has three times the amount of protein than oat flour and is rich in fiber, having a neutral taste that can be applied across food categories.
SunOpta is one of the largest producers of plant-based foods and beverages in the world, producing and packaging oatmilk and other plant-based beverages for some of the largest brands and retailers in the industry.
Within the next five years, SunOpta plans to double its plant-based business with the support of its plant-based production facilities. Oat-related production at the company has grown 100% in the last year, and SunOpta is continuing to expand oatbase production with the potential to grow its oat business by 50% in 2022.
