In the rapidly evolving world of plant-based ingredients, innovation is key to meeting the growing demands of both consumers and the food industry. BlackGrain from Yellow Fields®, developed by Apetit, stands out as a groundbreaking solution that addresses multiple needs in the food sector while promoting sustainability and health.
BlackGrain from Yellow Fields® is an EU novel food approved, upcycled rapeseed powder ingredient that boasts a unique 3-in-1 macronutrient composition and a mild flavor. This innovative product is the result of years of dedicated research and development by Apetit’s team, who sought to create a versatile ingredient that not only meets the strictest EU novel food regulations but also offers significant nutritional benefits.
The power of three: A holistic approach to nutrition
BlackGrain’s standout feature is its balanced combination of essential macronutrients. While many plant-based ingredients focus solely on protein content, BlackGrain takes a holistic approach by incorporating fibre, protein, and healthy fats into a single ingredient. This unique composition reflects the complex nutritional needs of the human body, which requires more than just protein to function optimally.
- Fibre: Often overlooked but crucial for digestive health, fibre is a key component of BlackGrain. As dietitian Leena Putkonen points out, “Gut health plays an enormous role in overall wellbeing, influencing not only digestion but also the immune system and potentially even neurological conditions.” By incorporating BlackGrain into food products, manufacturers can easily boost the fibre content, helping consumers meet their daily fibre needs.
- Protein: BlackGrain contains all necessary amino acids, making it a valuable ingredient to combine with other plant proteins. Its favorable amino acid composition complements other plant-based protein sources, contributing to a more complete nutritional profile in plant-based products. This makes BlackGrain an excellent choice for manufacturers targeting protein-conscious consumers and looking to enhance the overall amino acid balance of their products.
- Healthy Fats: The inclusion of healthy fats from rapeseed oil, known for its beneficial properties, rounds out BlackGrain’s nutritional profile. These essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, contribute to heart health, brain function, and overall cellular health.
Read more about the importance of fibre and healthy fats in our diets
A simple solution to complex challenges
The development of BlackGrain represents a triumph of innovative thinking in food science. Apetit’s product development team worked tirelessly for years to create a product that not only passes the strictest EU novel food regulations but also ensures a safe, healthy, and versatile ingredient for the food industry.
By focusing on preserving the natural goodness of rapeseed, including its fibre and healthy fats, rather than isolating just the protein, Apetit has created a more holistic and nutritionally balanced ingredient. This approach, which avoids separating or isolating components, results in a product that can be considered minimally processed compared to many protein isolates.
Versatility in application
BlackGrain’s mild flavor and unique composition make it suitable for a wide range of food applications. Its subtle taste allows it to blend seamlessly into various recipes without overpowering other flavors. From plant-based meat alternatives to baked goods and snacks, this ingredient can enhance nutritional profiles without compromising taste or texture.
The test kitchen at Apetit has been crucial in demonstrating BlackGrain’s versatility. By developing and testing various recipes, they’ve shown how different amounts of BlackGrain can affect consistency, color, and flavor in various food products. For example, adding just 10% BlackGrain to wheat bread can elevate it to “high in fibre” status, while 15% in chocolate muffins can make them a “source of fibre” – all without sacrificing taste.
Meeting diverse dietary needs
One of BlackGrain’s most significant advantages is its compatibility with various dietary restrictions. As Leena Putkonen notes, “The typical patient suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, or other digestive problems, is a conscious consumer that is keen to make food choices that support their personal health and their values.”
BlackGrain rises to this challenge by being vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, legume-free, and low in FODMAPs. This broad compatibility allows food manufacturers to create products that cater to a wide range of consumers, including those with specific dietary needs, without compromising on nutrition or taste.
Sustainability in action – Benefiting manufacturers, consumers, and the planet
Beyond its nutritional benefits, BlackGrain represents a significant step forward in sustainable food production. By upcycling rapeseed, a crop with a long history in Finnish agriculture, Apetit has created a product that supports local farming, reduces waste, and shortens the food supply chain.
The production process for BlackGrain is designed with sustainability in mind. Apetit uses mechanical pressing instead of chemical solvents to extract oil from rapeseed, making the process safer and more environmentally friendly. Additionally, over 90% of the energy used in production comes from renewable sources thanks to heat recovery solutions and a bioenergy plant.
This commitment to sustainability extends from field to fork, ensuring that every step of BlackGrain’s production contributes to a more environmentally responsible food system.
Learn more about our sustainable production practices
For manufacturers, BlackGrain offers a versatile ingredient that can enhance the nutritional profile of various products while meeting clean label and free-from demands. For consumers, it provides a nutrient-dense, plant-based option that supports overall health and fits various dietary needs. And for the planet, BlackGrain represents a more sustainable approach to food production, utilizing existing resources more efficiently and reducing waste.
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