Protein Production Technology Podcast

Mike Natale, the global leader of Ingredion's plant-based proteins platform, discusses the growth potential of the plant-based protein industry and the importance of continuously improving products to meet consumer needs. He emphasizes that plant-based proteins are not limited to alternative meats but also play a significant role in alternative dairy, snacking, and bakery. Natale acknowledges criticisms about the level of processing that goes into plant-based meats and highlights the company's efforts to use clean label ingredients and reduce sodium content. He also discusses the importance of flavor and sustainability in the food industry, as well as the challenges of scaling up and developing a supply chain for new ingredients. Natale believes in the future of plant-based proteins and sees them as more efficient and sustainable compared to animal protein. He also talks about Ingredion's products in the sports nutrition sector and their interest in other areas of alternative proteins, such as cellular agriculture. Natale predicts that cellular agriculture will become mainstream in the next five years and sees it as a promising avenue for feeding the world.