Plant-based food manufacturer Planteneers has announced the launch of its latest innovation, Culinary Balls – a texture-focused concept designed to give plant-based products a new identity rather than imitating familiar animal products.

The savoury solution contains a base, filling and coating, designed to offer ‘multi-layered indulgence’ in each bite. The base can be ‘juicy or soft,’ combined with an aromatic filling and crispy coating. Extra texture can be added to the coating with sesame, hemp or chia seeds, while the light mousse filling contains 40% vegetables.

“The special appeal comes from the contrast – crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a creamy filling,” said Pia Meinlschmidt, head of product management at Planteneers. “Multi-layered textures are seeing continued growth in the confectionery space, and the same principle is increasingly also interesting for savoury products.”

The concept is customisable when it comes to flavour. Examples highlighted by Planteneers include a Mediterranean profile with dried tomatoes, black olives and white beans; an earthy, nutty combination of beetroot and walnuts; or a sweet and savoury creation with pumpkin, apricot, curry and ground ginger. Fermented flavours such as pumpkin kimchi are also possible.

The product concept is freeze-thaw and bake-stable, making it suitable for various applications. Free from artificial additives, the solution also responds to demand for clean-label, high-protein and high-fibre products.

Additionally, the solution can be extended to hybrid products that combine mushrooms with meat protein, as demonstrated by Planteneers in a Kebab Balls concept.

The Culinary Balls can be cooked in air fryers or eaten hot or cold, designed to meet demand for modern convenience options, sharing occasions and health-conscious eating.