In 2020 – OptiCept and Cerealiqs initiated the work, developing a solution to use the CEPT technology to improve the manufacturing process and characteristics of oat milk. This resulted in a joint patent application. A unique innovation within the area of oat milk.
Fast forward a year, OptiCept added the global consultant firm AFRY as a partner to strengthen the development and innovation process.
In early September we conducted the first tests and an industrial evaluation for the treatment of oat milk. Using the OptiCEPT® application for treating plant-based milk.
The goal of the evaluation was to develop properties in oat milk, such as improved quality, foamability and reduce the need for added enzymes.
A cleaner product with good foamability with dense foam and stable properties has thus been demonstrated – that, without any need for the addition of extra enzymes.
The test results also show that OptiCept’s treatment increased the number of proteins and health-beneficial fibers in the form of beta-glucans.
“Our technology and application in plant-based beverages have shown good results and we see a very large potential. Together with our partners, we are well on our way to developing the next generation of technology for the production of oat milk (or plant-based beverages). Our ambition to obtain a cleaner and healthier product has thus taken a major step forward through the industrially conducted test. In addition to qualitative benefits, we also see opportunities for improved process efficiency at a lower cost, ” says Johan Möllerström, CEO of OptiCept Technologies.
Unlike other plant-based kinds of milk, oat doesn’t have the same long history. Its creation is in fact credited to a Swedish scientist, Rickard Öste, who went on to form Oatly.
Oatly has been leading the way in recent years, showing a three-fold increase in worldwide sales. Nowadays, also a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange.
During 2020, oat milk sales in the United States alone increased to $213 million. Making it the second most consumed plant-based milk after almond milk.
The market is in a state of strong growth – the reason why could be explained by consumer analysis.
This indicates that the dairy-like taste, health perception, and environmental sustainability, are the main reasons for its growing popularity.
The prognosis for the market is $995 million USD by 2027.
In the pursuit of more efficient and sustainable extraction techniques, a recent test conducted at OptiCept’s lab has underscored the promising potential of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology for extracting bromelain from pineapple stems.
OptiCept’s PEF technology for freshly squeezed juice has been shown to extend shelf life, successfully inactivate a wide range of microorganisms, and improve color and sensory properties. This is revealed in a new scientific report published by researchers at CREA.
In this post we’ll have a closer look at the results found in the study.
Treating passion fruit juice with Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology increases the extraction of juice as well as the quality. Read more about OptiCepts results
OptiCept invents, designs, and manufactures smart, sustainable technologies to unleash the full potential of organic material.
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