Concepts

Plant-Based Protein Bars – Nutritious as it is Delicious

ConceptsFood & Nutrition
Food & Beverage Concepts at IMCD Germany
Discover all of our different concepts to redesign the texture & mouthfeel, taste, and function of food & beverages to meet the growing consumer desires for sustainable and healthy nutrition.

Healthy snacking fun with a pleasantly soft texture in 2 delicious flavours for consumers with a nutrition-conscious sweet tooth

Vegan protein snacks are gaining traction, but challenges in taste, texture and functionality still need to be addressed. With our latest application lab prototype, we offer a practical solution for manufacturers and developers who want to create functional plant-based foods that truly meet consumer expectations. 

This concept addresses key technical challenges such as balancing amino acid profiles for optimal nutrition. We've worked to perfect the texture to deliver a soft, fluffy mouthfeel, and we've also addressed the common aftertaste issue found in many plant-based products. The recipe is also fortified with essential vitamins and fibre, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. 

Curious about our high-fibre, vitamin-packed vegan protein snack formulation? Request our RTU kit today and see the results for yourself. Simply complete the form and you will receive two samples to taste and explore. 


IMCD Plant-Based Protein Bars – product requirements and raw material challenges 

Powerful, plant-based and full of flavour: a new vegan protein bar made from sunflower and fava bean protein. Our IMCD Food Concept is packed with nutritious benefits. This vegan snack is not only suitable for sports diets but also for conscious consumers who want to enjoy a healthier snack. 
Raspberries dropping out of a hand.

Product requirements

High Fibre, High Protein, vitamin enriched and no compromise on taste or texture. Our laboratory experts were tasked with creating a prototype that perfectly blends intense flavours with food nutrients. The aim was to develop a healthy snack that supports gut health, improves vitamin intake and keeps the customer satisfied for a longer period due to the high protein content. The Product also features a soft bite and long shelf life, proving that it is possible to create products that fully meet customer needs, using purely plant-based and sustainable protein sources. On top, the protein-bars provide a complete amino acid profile, supporting the protein metabolism. 

Technical challenges 

Vegan protein alternatives compared to conventional products often encounter the challenge of unwanted Off-Notes. In addition, creating a pleasant mouthfeel with a moist and soft texture can also be tricky. With flavour neutral plant-based protein, our functional food innovation stars with a neutral flavour base that adds indulgent and intense flavours, while also maintaining a soft and moist texture. 

Do you want to learn more about different strategies to overcome the most encountered challenges in the fortification of dairy and non-dairy products? Watch our indepth fortification webinar.

Concept highlights of the IMCD vegan protein snack

IMCD vegan protein bar on grey plate.

Functional benefits:  

  • Soft bite and smooth texture 
  • Long shelf-live 
  • Pleasant moist mouthfeel (no dryness or crumbly texture) 
  • Intense, vibrant flavours 

Nutritious benefits:

  • Vegan 
  • Vitamin enriched 
  • High Protein 
  • High Fibre  
  • Nutri-Score: A (according to new calculation scale 2024)

Dark, white and milk chocolate bars on yellow surface.

Raw material functionalities

  • Sunflower protein: High Protein and Fibre Content, excellent emulsifying properties and very good solubility 
  • Fava bean protein: High protein content, outstanding digestibility, very good solubility, neutral taste 
  • Soluble corn fibre: used for fibre enrichment and sugar reduction 
  • Vitamin blend and mineral blend: Supplies important vitamins and minerals 
  • Soylecithin: Non-GMO soy lecithin, for a homogeneous mixture, prevents phase separation and crumbliness 
  • Sucralose: Calorie-free, powdered, water-soluble sweetener with a typical flavour profile 
  • Maltodextrin: Maltodextrin with a neutral taste 
  • Natural flavouring: Provides an intense & authentic taste experience. Chocolate brownie flavour with creamy, cocoa, nutty, vanillic notes
  • Raspberry Chunks: With an intense fruity flavour profile, providing an additional crunch and can be used as an alternative to flavours 

Tip from our expert for allergen-free lecithin ideas:

Product Highlight by Bunge

Our IMCD Expert: 

IMCD Food & Nutrition Expert Kira Odendahl

Kira Odendahl 

Junior Application Technologist 
Expert for Nutrition, Confectionary & Bakery 

In 2022, Kira completed her Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Bonn, followed by a Master's degree in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science. She joined IMCD in 2020 and, after more than four years as a working student, she took on the role of Junior Application Technologist in October 2024. In this position, she is responsible for the Nutrition, Confectionery and Bakery segments. 

As a former competitive athlete and sports student, Kira is particularly interested in developing nutritious and health-promoting concepts that also provide enjoyable flavour experiences in everyday life. 

Discover other food concepts by Kira Odendahl: 

  • Mini box cake concept with raspberry flavour (instant) – Bakery Concept 
Log in to your MyIMCD account to order a Ready-to-Use kit and get access to the recipes. 

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Food & Beverage Concepts at IMCD Germany
Discover all of our different concepts to redesign the texture & mouthfeel, taste, and function of food & beverages to meet the growing consumer desires for sustainable and healthy nutrition.

Request Your RTU Kit Today!

Taste our high-fibre, vitamin-packed vegan protein snack in two delicious flavours. *Only available in Germany.

Plant-Based Protein Bars – Nutritious as it is Delicious | IMCD Deutschland