Finland's Valio introduced an innovative dairy-based product by the name of Valio MiFU, which has the potential to be used as an alternative to meat or poultry in cooking recipes.
The product is made with proprietary technology, Finnish milk and takes the form of ready-to-eat strips. The inventive Valio MiFU was developed by the internal innovation team at Valio, which was challenged to create a new way to use the casein protein in milk. Throughout the process, one of the biggest obstacles for the team was creating a product with a form that could withstand being pan-fried, yet also retain a desirable texture and mouthfeel.
Although dairy is a key part of the product, the high-protein, low-fat strips are free from lactose, gluten, eggs and yeast. Additionally, Valio MiFU recently won a World Dairy Innovation Awards competition in the Best New Brand/Business category.
Dairy-Based Meat Substitutes
Valio MiFU is a Dairy-Based Product That Replaces Meat & Poultry
Trend Themes
1. Dairy-focused Meat Substitutes - Creating meat substitutes using dairy-based proteins to appeal to lactose intolerant and health-conscious consumers.
2. Innovative Plant-based Cooking Ingredients - Developing new plant-based and dairy-based ingredients as a more sustainable, animal-friendly and healthy way to produce meat substitutes.
3. Ready-to-cook Meat Substitutes - Creating ready-to-cook meatless strips and patties for busy consumers who want convenient and versatile plant-based options.
Industry Implications
1. Dairy Processing Industry - Investing in innovative technologies and collaborations to improve the functional properties of dairy proteins and identify new applications for them in the meat substitute market.
2. Plant-based Meat Substitutes Industry - Partnering with dairy companies to develop hybrid products that combine the benefits of plant-based ingredients with the nutritional properties and versatility of dairy proteins.
3. Food Retail Industry - Expanding the variety and accessibility of meat substitutes in grocery stores by adding dairy-based options that appeal to consumers with different dietary needs and preferences.