Plant-based foods demand a different kind of protection.
The plant-based category is maturing fast, and with that maturity comes a more demanding consumer. Flexitarians, the largest and fastest-growing segment of plant-based buyers, are looking for products that deliver on sustainability and health without sacrificing taste, texture or convenience. They are also becoming more label-conscious.
Plant-based foods don't behave like conventional products. Their raw materials, protein sources and water activity create a microbial environment that requires a dedicated approach. Unlike meat, where the primary concern is bacterial pathogen control, plant-based manufacturers must address bacteria, yeasts and molds simultaneously, across a wide range of formats and moisture levels.
Add to this the pressure of delivering on taste and texture in a category where sensory performance directly drives repeat purchase, and the formulation challenge becomes clear: antimicrobial protection must work without compromising the eating experience. That tension is where Galactic's application expertise comes in.
Our food application experts have developed a specific range of bio-based antimicrobial solutions built around the realities of plant-based manufacturing. Each solution is selected and validated for its category, its format, and its sensory compatibility.
Our portfolio for plant-based applications includes:
- Highly effective antimicrobials targeting spoilage organisms and pathogens, proven against bacteria, yeasts and molds in plant-based matrices.
- High-quality lactic acid powder for precise acidification and pH control in meat alternatives, supporting both safety and texture stability.
- And a specialty range of natural flavors, developed through an innovative combination of fermentation technology and herbal infusion, specifically designed to enhance flavor roundness and maintain freshness across the full shelf life.
These solutions are not adapted from other categories. They are built for plant-based, validated in plant-based conditions, by experts who understand what your production line actually looks like.
Drawing on our in-house food application expertise at the Galactic Innovation Center, a set of solutions has been developed for various plant-based food categories, including:
- Plant-based raw and cooked burgers
- Vegetarian Frankfurter-style sausages
- Plant-based ready meals
- Bread spreads and dips
- Plant-based nugget-style snacks
- Veggie cold cuts
- and more.
Working on a plant-based product? Tell us about your formulation challenge. Our application experts will find the right fit.