Plant-based food technology company Meala has partnered with dsm-firmenich to launch Vertis PB Pea, a texturizing pea protein, in Europe.

The ingredient is designed to replace modified binders like hydrocolloids, contributing to a clean label for plant-based meat alternatives. The product is now available in Europe via dsm-firmenich as Vertis PB Pea.

The ingredient is protected by two patents and consolidates the functionality of multiple components, delivering binding, gelation, and emulsifying properties. It also contributes to the protein content of a product.

The ingredient can replace the entire binding system often found in meat alternative products, while keeping labels short and recognizable for burgers, sausages, nuggets, and more.

The ingredient can be clearly labeled as pea protein, and is allergen free. It is stable under heat and low temperature for versatile applications, and its texture and water retention provide juiciness and structure in meat alternatives.

“It addresses both functionality and clean label demands, while replicating the sensory profile and experience of conventional meat products,” said Tali Feldman Sivan, CBO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech.

“We are grateful to our partners at dsm-firmenich, who offer decades of experience as industry leaders in bringing innovative products to market,” said Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, CEO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech. “Their application support, regulatory expertise, and ability to drive global commercial rollouts are unprecedented. We’re impressed by their innovation-driven approach and deep understanding of the food industry. dsm-firmenich believed in us from the very beginning, not only as investors, but as true partners, offering guidance, trust, and strategic support that helped lay the foundation for this powerful collaboration.”

With production in Europe already underway, Meala is scaling up its functional pea protein to meet global demand.

“We’re looking forward to working with dsm-firmenich to lead the new era of plant-based alternatives that successfully merge high performance and robust nutrition, to create to create a new generation of delicious, better-for-you and better for the planet meat alternatives,” said Raozmovich. “Meala delivers a powerful, high-protein texturizing solution, providing manufacturers with a scalable alternative to less-desirable additives.”