CSIRO scientists have been working on new ways to turn beef into powder form for use in a range of food products.
Australia’s national science agency is aiming to add value to the beef sector by turning red meat into a nutritious protein boost for snacks and drinks, targeting the lucrative $3.8 billion health-and-wellness market.
Taste tests of the Just Meat protein powder were on offer at Beef 2024 in Rockhampton, Queensland, last week.
The meat powder can appeal to a wide audience interested in products such as protein balls and shakes and energy drinks.
The aim is to help grow Australia’s $75 billion red-meat industry by capturing more value from a greater percentage of the carcass.
The CSIRO’s Dr Aarti Tobin said the powder can be used as is or as an ingredient in a range of products.
“The advantage of a meat-based protein is that it naturally contains all essential amino acids, as well as high iron, zinc and magnesium,” Dr Tobin said.
“It’s mild in flavour and highly soluble so we’ve easily added it to snacks like sweet protein balls in our product development kitchen, with promising results to take to product trials.
“We’re looking at new protein products to meet changing consumer preferences.”
The CSIRO hopes products such as the will play a role in feeding a growing world population set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.
Meat & Livestock Australia is an investor and collaborator in the product’s development.
MLA science and innovation manager Michael Lee said the product’s versatility demonstrated its potential to capitalise on global market demand for red meat.
“Products like this meat protein powder can help cater to this demand by providing a shelf-stable, easily transportable and versatile source of protein,” Mr Lee said.
“By converting meat into essentially a food ingredient, this also creates another revenue stream for the industry beyond our traditional meat-trading options.”
CSIRO will work with commercial partners and investors to help take the protein powder innovation to market.
Industry and investors can become involved in CSIRO’s Protein Futures 2024 event in Sydney on May 28-29 to find out more about Just Meat.