EN FR

Expanding medical and at-home uses of plant-based protein blends

Technology
TECHNOLOGY PRIORITY

Sell

PROJECT TIMELINE
December 2020 to March 2023
PROJECT STATUS
Fund I: Complete
TOTAL INVESTMENT
$2,212,849.63

Consortia Contribution
$1,084,880.00

Cluster Contribution
$1,127,969.63

PARTNERS

Enhanced Medical Nutrition

Gruppo Nutrition Inc.

Goal

Develop and bring novel evidence-based plant protein blend(s) to market supporting a clear gap for both athletic and healthcare populations that meets or exceeds the whey protein isolate gold standard for muscle protein synthesis, digestibility, and palatability.

Project Summary

Enhanced Medical Nutrition (EMN) and Gruppo created ready-to-mix and modular protein powders that are allergen-free, clean-label, and ethically sourced and manufactured from Canadian raw materials. The modular powders will be used in healthcare settings where they can be mixed into beverages or soft foods, or flushed through feeding tubes. The ready-to-mix powders will also be designed for hospital use, as well as for outpatient settings and at-home use.

The partners also engaged with Dr. Stuart Phillips, an internationally recognized dietary, protein, exercise and nutrition scientist, on the project. Phillips conducted research to investigate the plant-protein blend at the Protein Metabolism Research Lab (PMRL) at McMaster University.

Results and Impact

  • Most significantly, the project helped the partners develop a plant-based protein isolate blend that will provide patients with a high-quality protein alternative to whey protein isolate, while also delivering on sensory and functional attributes.
  • EMN increased their investment attractiveness, recruited new talent for sales and marketing activities and grew capacity in warehouse centers to support product distribution in new markets.
  • Gruppo transitioned from the license agreement with Infinit Nutrition to become Gruppo Nutrition Inc., and gained access to new product lines.
  • The project also provided the partners with the capacity to run a landmark RCT at McMaster University to determine the effect of the plant protein isolate compared to whey protein isolate on muscle protein synthesis. The data from this study will lead to the creation of more high-quality plant protein options. Additionally, several new partnerships were established with a variety of companies across the value chain, leading to new product offerings from both partners.

Related reading