How nitrogen makes plant based meat better

Plant based meat consumption is growing fast, driven by a powerful mix of environmental, ethical, health and economic concerns. And its growth is showing no signs of slowing. According to the Plant Based Foods Association and The Good Food Institute, the meat substitute market totaled $1.4 billion in 2020. This success in turn generates new interest. One of the most asked questions: how is plant based meat made? As in countless other industries, nitrogen plays a key role.

What is plant based meat?

Plant based meat tastes, looks and feels just like animal based meat, but it consists entirely of ingredients procured from plants. This includes protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and water. Its goal is to replace some or all of the animal based meat in our food consumption and production. That goal is not improbable. Plant based meat is recording triple and double-digit growth, with vegetarians, vegans but also with "flexitarians."  The latter group consists of meat eaters who have introduced meat substitutes in their daily diet.

So how is plant based meat made? Let's take a closer look. 

How is plant based meat made?

Extrusion is one of the main methods of producing plant based meat. It also is one of the most energy efficient means of mass food production available today.

Extrusion technology mixes soft ingredients, forms the food, cooks and processes it in a 3-steps process.

In the first step, the protein powders (made from soy, lentils, chickpeas, ...) are premixed to ensure the quality of the final product.

Next, the mixture in fed into an extruder, which consists of a barrel with rotating screws. The extruder both forms and cooks the food - typically in mere seconds.

Finally, the product is ready for processing, which can include anything from cutting to grinding or coating.

The entire extrusion process is a continuous, controllable, and cost-efficient means of production. That is why many food manufacturers are converting their existing processes to extrusion due to its costs and environmental benefits.

What role does nitrogen play in extrusion?

During plant based meat product extrusion, nitrogen gas is injected into the extruder. The goal is to achieve a process called protein aeration. The nitrogen creates a microporous structure in the product. This ensures a better color, a β€œmeatier” texture and an improved flavor absorption.

Where to get extrusion nitrogen?

Food production plants have traditionally relied on nitrogen bulk or bottles of nitrogen. However, these nitrogen deliveries come with a significant cost and carbon footprint. Generating nitrogen on-site reduces the cost per unit of gas and eliminates the transportation emissions of deliveries. It also gives companies control over their nitrogen supply. That is why an increasing number of production facilities are making the switch to self-producing nitrogen – and to Pneumatech as their gas generation partner.

As the leader in air treatment and gas generation, Pneumatech has developed the most energy efficient nitrogen generators available on the market. These products often use the PSA (pressure swing adsorption) process to efficiently and reliably produce food-grade nitrogen. Pneumatech nitrogen generation systems also have 24/7 local and remote connectivity for constant monitoring and visibility of your processes.

If you want to learn more about Pneumatech solutions for your plant based meat production, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experts are ready to answer all your questions.

Resource via https://www.pneumatech.com/


View 2 Products

Oxygen Generators

Pneumatech gives oxygen to your business. With the PPOG series, Pneumatech offers an attractive replacement for traditional oxygen supply with very interesting returns on investment.

The PPOG1-120 series uses Pressure Swing Adsorption technology to extract oxygen from compressed air, resulting in oxygen purity levels up to 95%.

The PPOG 2-18 HE series is a true game changer in on-site oxygen generation. 30% more efficient than traditional oxygen generators, the PPOG HE gives you the oxygen volume, purity and reliability you need at a massively reduced cost and a smaller environmental footprint.

PSA Oxygen Generators
With the PPOG series, Pneumatech offers an attractive replacement for traditional oxygen supply with very interesting returns on investment.

View 2 Products

Nitrogen Generators

Discover the inner workings, versatile applications, and numerous benefits of an N2 generator. This revolutionary machine effectively separates nitrogen from compressed air, comprised of 78% N2 and 21% O2. A gas generator stands out as the easiest, most flexible, and economically viable method for securing your own nitrogen supply. Elevate your professional approach and embrace the efficiency and sustainability offered by on-site nitrogen generation, exclusively available in New Zealand.

Sub Categories

Membrane Nitrogen Gas Generators PSA Nitrogen Gas Generators High Pressure Nitrogen Skids
Pneumatech Nitrogen Generator PPNG 6-68 S (up to 99.999% purity; up to 148 m3/h)

Pneumatech Nitrogen Generator PPNG 6-68 S (up to 99.999% purity; up to 148 m3/h)

Product Enquiry Product Enquiry
Pneumatech PMNG Series - Membrane Nitrogen Generator

Pneumatech PMNG Series - Membrane Nitrogen Generator

Product Enquiry Product Enquiry

Do you have an idea for our #expertcorner?Β Let us know!

Useful links:

Book Your Compressor Service

Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

Read more from our #expertcorner


Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences. …


The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause complete dryer failure. …


Using nitrogen is not about fully replacing CO2, but it can reduce their consumption of CO2 by close to 70%. Using nitrogen is about sustainability. Creating your own nitrogen is easy and will reduce the use of a greenhouse gas, which is better for the environment. It will also save you money as early as month one adding that savings to your bottom line. …


A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'Β  This article looks at the product costs involved with compressed air, as well as minimising the energy cost of compressors and cost allocation. When looking at these factors, we need to realise what causes dropped efficiency of your compressor, leading to increased costs of compressed air. …


You may have great fall protection measures in place to keep employees safe when working at height, but what about their co-workers below? Dropped tools and other falling objects are a major hazard – and one that isn’t always fully addressed.Β  …


Providing a safe working environment for operators is essential, especially when using pneumatic tools and compressed air. If there is a failure in the air network and the hose is not adequately clamped, the resulting whiplash could be devastating. Failure to follow best practice can result in injuries, associated production downtime and decreased productivity. …


A common questions asked is why do I need an air dryer for my compressor? Typically, air compressors produce water, and although the water can be drained, there can still be aerosol and vapour droplets that are present. This is because water cannoet be compressed. Water can damage your compressor by corroding the valves, pipes and machinery controls, which will cost you time and money to resolve. In the long run, the cost of a new compressor is a small price to pay compared to the loss of production that could potentially arise due to water damage in your compressor.





…


Air compressors can fail for an assortment of different reasons: Normal wear and tear, lifespan and age of the unit, poor maintenance, power surge, install issues are just a few the come to mind. Check out this blog to find out our top 7 tips to ensure your compressor is looked after!  …

Show More