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 βmeatierβ 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 β 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, donβt hesitate to reach out. Our experts are
ready to answer all your questions.
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.
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.
Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and weβve 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:
A liquid ring vacuum pump is a powerful and steadfast piece of equipment that, if well maintained, can provide years of dependable
performance. Whether you purchase a large or small unit, you can rely on a vacuum pump for smooth, consistent and relatively quiet operation
for many months on end between each inspection.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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ICONS: Intelligent Connectivity System: The insight into your compressed air system, wherever you are. Learn More about ICONS in this article here!
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