Plant-Based & Dairy Alternatives
Dairy free products have grown by 40% in the five years from 2015 – 2020. Product diversification is being driven by the increased popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets. Furthermore, plant-based products are more sustainable and better for the environment.
Plant-based products have seen particular growth as an alternative to dairy. Moreover, soya, almonds, oats, rice and coconut are the most common substitutes for dairy,
The manufacturing process of plant-based dairy alternatives is very similar to that used in traditional dairy manufacturing. Therefore, a lot of the process equipment will be the same. However, depending on the raw materials, we will make relevant suggestions for your process to find the solution for your particular plant-based product.
The Process
Each application will vary but see below some basic steps in plant-based product processing:
1: Raw Material Handling – the general process of bringing your base material into the production plant.
2: Soaking, Milling, Homogenisation, Other – depending on your application and your process will determine whether you want to process a powder or liquid.
3: Heating and Cooling Systems – as with many processes, heating and cooling play an important role in food manufacturing.
4: Enzymation and reactions followed by mechanical clarification
5: Base product
Following this, you will have the option to alter your base product depending on how your final product will be presented to the consumer (e.g. powder, liquid, frozen etc.).
6: Liquid, Powder additions, or blending – once again, dependant on the consistency of your product will depend on any additions that need to be made at this point.
7: Homogenisation – the process of ensuring the correct consistency for your product will be achieved through homogenisation.
8: Thermal treatment followed by an aseptic process where required.
9: Fermentation or Other
10: Filling & Packaging
Dairy Alternative Processing Equipment
We’ve been providing process equipment to a range of food manufacturers for many years. Our range of spare parts and new equipment comes from the best-known original equipment manufacturers in the world, including Alfa Laval, GEA, SPX FLOW, Tetra Pak and many more.
With an experienced team of engineers, who are knowledgeable about this equipment, are able to provide service and maintenance on an emergency, ad-hoc, planned or contract basis.