Bites from the Bench™: Pea Milk is a creamy and great dairy alternative and its taste profile benefits from TruMask™ bitter blocker. Clean-label, all-natural, sustainable solutions with no added sugar to boost dairy alternatives’ taste profiles.
Pea milk is a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy milk that is gaining popularity in recent years. Made from yellow split peas, pea milk is both lactose and gluten-free, making it a viable option for those with dietary restrictions.
Unlike other plant-based milks, such as almond or soy, pea milk has a creamy and mild flavor that closely resembles traditional dairy milk. The smooth texture is perfect for adding to coffee, smoothies, or cereal and is thicker than other milk substitutes on the market, though the taste is less popular.
In addition, pea milk is a great source of high-quality, plant-based protein, with some brands containing up to 8 grams of protein per serving. Pea milk is also easily digestible and contains all nine essential amino acids. Because of this, pea protein is becoming increasingly popular among athletes, vegans, and others that are looking for a natural, sustainable source of protein. It is also a healthier option than traditional dairy milk, containing less sugar, fat, and calories.
Another great point is that pea milk is an environmentally friendly option, as it requires less water and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional dairy milk.
The taste of pea milk is relatively mild at the start, with a vegetal, earthy aftertaste. TastesNatural™ has found TruMask™ and TruClear™ to both be excellent, all-natural, clean-label solutions at eliminating the off-putting taste attributes, allowing the delicious creaminess to shine. TruMask™ heightens the sweeter notes, and was a favorite of our scientists.
Overall, pea milk and pea protein are great options for those looking for a sustainable, plant-based source of protein. With the increasing demand for plant-based food and beverage products, we can expect to see more innovative products like pea milk hitting the market in the future.
