Alpha Foods debuts new high moisture extrusion technology

Alpha Foods has announced a new high moisture extrusion (HME) technology that it says can enhance the taste and texture of plant-based foods.

According to Alpha Foods, the new technology and proprietary processing can create products that are indistinguishable from their animal-based counterparts and can replicate the taste and texture of actual chicken.

The HME technology combines high-pressure and high-heat extrusion, enabling precise moisture control to create a meat-like texture that “pulls apart, cooks and replicates the juiciness and taste” of the animal-counterpart.

The technology can also Increase the nutrient density of the product – Alpha Foods Homestyle Chik’n includes 18g of protein and 7g of carbs and is only 160 calories per portion.

Alpha Foods believes that using the new HME technology, it has created a product lineup that “consumers will think is the real thing,” as the company reports that taste and texture are the top two factors consumers consider when choosing plant-based options.

The latest news follows Alpha Foods’ announcement at the beginning of the month, that it entered a joint development agreement with animal-free protein accelerator The Every Co, to accelerate improvements in the taste and texture of non-animal products.