NATURAL PLANT BASED FOOD PRESERVATIVES
Plant based food offer an alternative to traditional meat or fish products for those seeking a vegan option, and it’s becoming more common to see these foods in restaurants. However, it is important to be aware of the microbiological issues and additives that may be present in this food.
Choosing natural preservatives can not only help maintain food safety but also meet consumer demand for more natural and less processed products, as these ultra-processed foods contain some chemical additives that are controversial due to their effects on human health.
At Amerex Ingredients, we offer innovative and natural solutions for the food industry, helping to create safe products and clean up chemical additive labels. Keep reading to learn more about our new natural preservative for plant-based analogs such as vegan burgers: Safemix Antos.
What ingredients do plant based food include?
Vegan burgers, is an example of plant based food that have gained popularity in recent years, not only among the vegan community but also among those looking to reduce their meat consumption for health, sustainability, or ethical reasons. But what ingredients are used to make a plant-based food? Unlike traditional burgers made from beef, vegan burgers are made with a variety of plant-based ingredients, that are commoly used in other plant based food:
- Plant proteins: The most common are tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas, and pea or soy protein. These provide the necessary texture and protein content.
- Vegetables: Carrots, mushrooms, spinach, and other vegetables are included not only for their nutritional value but also for flavor and texture.
- Healthy fats: Vegetable oils such as coconut oil or canola oil are used to improve texture and flavor.
- Seasonings and spices: To mimic the taste of meat, spices like paprika, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder are used, along with sauces like soy sauce.
- Binding agents: Ingredients like corn starch, oat flour, or wheat gluten are used to give the mixture cohesion.
What microbiological problems do plant based food have?
Although plant based food eliminate the risks of pathogens commonly found in meat or fish, they are not free from other microbiological issues. Some of the most common problems include:
- Mold and yeast contamination: Since plant-based ingredients tend to have a high water content, they can be a breeding ground for molds and yeasts if not stored properly.
- Bacterial growth: Especially in fresh meat analogs that haven’t undergone pasteurization, the growth of coliforms and mesophiles is a common problem. Additionally, the use of various spices can be another source of contamination.
Therefore, just like with meat or fish products, the use of additives and preservatives is necessary to avoid microbiological contamination and the loss of good organoleptic qualities.
What controversial additives are used in plant based food?
Some commercial plant based food use additives to improve flavor, texture, and shelf life that are currently quite controversial.
Among the most notable are:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG): Used to enhance flavor, it can cause adverse reactions in some sensitive individuals.
- Carrageenan: A gelling agent that has been linked to digestive inflammation in some studies.
- Nitrites and nitrates: Used in some products to preserve and add color, they have been associated with health problems at high levels of consumption.
- Textured soy protein (TSP): Although not inherently controversial, soy is a common allergen and is often grown using intensive agricultural methods that involve pesticides.
As a result, while consumers generally perceive these types of foods as healthier than traditional meat burgers, in reality, they often contain a greater number of chemical additives on their labels.
What natural preservative options are available for plant based food?
For those looking to avoid artificial preservatives, there are several natural preservative options that can extend the shelf life without compromising quality. In most cases, they include plant extracts:
- Rosemary extract: Acts as a natural antioxidant, helping to prevent rancidity and extend the product’s freshness.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol): Another natural antioxidant commonly used to prevent fat oxidation in foods.
- Citrus extract: Used for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
However, these extracts are often not enough to prevent contamination by enterobacteria, Clostridium botulinum, or molds and yeasts that can affect plant based food. Therefore, Amerex provides a wide range of natural preservatives suitable for vegans and highly effective.
What natural preservatives for plant based food does Amerex offer? Safemix Antos
Amerex offers a wide range of natural preservatives that not only preserve the freshness of burgers or other meat analogs but also prevent contamination by pathogens like Salmonella or enterobacteria.
Recently, the R&D department at Amerex launched a new product, SAFEMIX ANTOS. This product offers a broad action, covering a wide variety of microorganisms such as heterofermentative lactobacilli, Listeria, Salmonella, Clostridium, or molds and yeasts, among others. It is the most complete mixture developed by Amerex, suitable for any type of matrix, and labeled as an aroma.
Before its launch, Amerex conducted a study on a vegan matrix with a shelf life of only 7 days, achieving a doubling of its durability. Discover how Amerex’s natural preservatives can improve the quality of your products. Contact us today for more information!
- Email us at: imasd@amerexingredientes.com
- Call us at: +34 91 845 42 14
- Fill out the form below
Amerex’s Technical Director, Alejandro Rodríguez, holds a degree in Biology and a master’s degree in biotechnology applied to food preservation. With a solid track record of over 10 years developing natural solutions, he leads projects focused on protective fermentation and innovative technologies to ensure food safety and quality.
