22 Apr 2021 Afriplex launches new functional vegan milks

Paarl-based Afriplex, supplier of innovative functional ingredients, has taken a step into the alternative dairy space, offering clients multiple possibilities for novel NPD.

“Whether motivated by environmental concerns, personal health or ethical reasons, the vegan movement has taken the world by storm and is definitely here to stay,” says Afriplex’s Donnie Malherbe.

“One of the greatest challenges faced by this burgeoning foodbev sector is mimicking the organoleptic properties of animal-derived favourites in vegan alternative products. We have come up with some fantastic solutions!”

Afriplex’s team of scientists, he says, have developed a range of versatile plant-based milk concentrates, delicious enough to fool even die-hard dairy lovers.

These include nut-based variants: macadamia, almond, cashew and pecan concentrates, as well as nut-free oats.

Oat milk’s creamy mouthfeel and taste akin to cow’s milk has led to a great surge in popularity in both Australia and the USA, and here at home in SA.’

Key functional proposition

Malherbe, however, believes Afriplex’s real value proposition lies in the functional addition it offers to elevate these standard bases: tailor-made vegan concentrates incorporating botanical extracts such as rooibos, honeybush, baobab, moringa, hemp and so on.

“The possibilities across the alternative dairy spectrum for added functionality are endless. For example, ready-to-drink vegan sports beverages, shakes and smoothies, and instant vegan latte concepts in the drinks space, and in yoghurts and cheeses in the food space.

“The upshot for product developers is the potential to tap into two massive global trends: plant-based alternatives and the renewed quest for health, wellness and immunity.”

This multifunctional bases are available in a concentrated form and can be diluted according to the application.

About Afriplex:
Afriplex’s rigorous R&D and superior knowledge of African botanicals and their associated extraction technologies enables their incorporation into innovative ingredients and final products – for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, veterinary and food and beverage industries.

Tailored solutions for a diverse client base are offered, combining excellent taste with health and functionality.

These solutions are client specific and delivered in the form of a dry premix or concentrate, ready for final blending and packing on despatch from its state-of-the-art Paarl facility.

Contact them for any information regarding custom-made vegan bases and product concepts: [email protected]; +27 (0)21 872 4976;
+27 (0)86 578 1305; www.afriplex.co.za