Plant-based food is a relatively new concept in the food industry, but it is rapidly gaining popularity due to the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly food options. This type of meat is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, such as soy, peas, or wheat, and is designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal-based meat products. The processing of plant-based food involves a combination of ingredients, techniques, and equipment to create a product that resembles the taste, texture, and appearance of real meat. 

Selecting the Ingredients 

The first step in the processing of plant-based food is the selection of the right ingredients. The main ingredients in plant-based food are usually protein sources, such as soy, peas, or wheat, which provide the essential amino acids that are necessary for human nutrition. Additionally, carbohydrates, such as potato starch, and fats, such as coconut oil, are added to give the product a meat-like texture and flavour. Other ingredients, such as spices, herbs, and natural flavours, are added to enhance the taste and aroma of the product.

Mixture

Once the ingredients have been selected, they are then processed to create a dough-like mixture that can be shaped and moulded into different forms. This mixture is usually made by blending the ingredients together and heating them to a high temperature to denature the proteins and create a cohesive dough. The dough is then cooled and shaped into different forms, such as hamburgers, sausages, or chicken nuggets, using a variety of techniques, such as extrusion, moulding, or cutting.

Cooking Process 

After the plant-based food has been shaped, it is then subjected to a cooking process that mimics the cooking process used for animal-based meat. This process is usually done by either grilling, roasting, or pan-frying the plant-based food. The high heat and pressure applied during cooking helps to denature the proteins and create a meat-like texture and flavour. Additionally, the cooking process also helps to bind the ingredients together, giving the product a cohesive texture that resembles real meat. 

Packaging

Once the plant-based food has been cooked, it is then packaged and packaged for distribution. This can be done using a variety of methods, including vacuum sealing, modified atmosphere packaging, or shrink wrapping. The packaging helps to protect the product from spoilage and ensures that it remains fresh and safe for consumption.

Quality Control Tests

Finally, the plant-based food is then subjected to a series of quality control tests to ensure that it meets the desired standards for taste, texture, and appearance. This may include tests for flavour, aroma, texture, and appearance, as well as microbiological and chemical analyses

to ensure the product is safe for consumption. Once the product has passed all quality control tests, it is then ready for distribution and sale to consumers.

Is the process of making Plant-based Food complex?

In conclusion, the processing of plant-based food is a complex process that involves the selection of the right ingredients, the shaping and moulding of the dough-like mixture, the cooking process, and the packaging and distribution of the final product. The end result is a product that resembles real meat in taste, texture, and appearance, but is made entirely from plant-based ingredients. This type of meat is an excellent alternative for those who are looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly food option that still provides all of the essential nutrients needed for a healthy diet.

With Tata Simply Better, Tata Consumer Products has entered into a new category, aimed at consumers who want to include more plant-based ingredients in their diet without compromising on taste. Tata Simply Better comes with a variety of products that are 100% plant-based, and it tastes just like chicken. Plant-based ingredients are a source of rich nutrients and are at par with the alternatives.

Tata Simply Better has four delicious plant-based food variants and these include - Nuggets, Burger Patty, Awadhi Seekh Kebab, and Spicy Fingers. The product range is rich in protein, trans-fat free, and has no added preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours. While regular meat/alternative meat products need to be refrigerated, Tata Simply Better can be refrigerated and stored at room temperature, making this a convenient and travel-friendly product.

Discover the nutritional goodness and fabulous chicken-like taste of Tata Simply Better’s plant-based products. It's all real, and it comes from plants. 

It isn't just good - it's Tata Simply Better. 

If you would like to know more about our brand, check out some of the articles we've been featured in:

The Times of India – Tata Consumer Products bets big on recently launched plant-based meat range

Mint - Tata Consumer Products expands foods portfolio

Moneycontrol - Tata Consumer Products enters plant-based meat products category

Afaqs - Tata Consumer Products enters plant based meat segment; launches Tata Simply Better

Media Brief - Tata Consumer Products enters alternate meat segment with the launch of Tata Simply Better

MediaNews4U - Tata Consumer Products enters alternate meat segment with the launch of Tata Simply Better

IndianRetailer.com - Tata Consumer Products Enters Alternate Meat Segment, Launches Plant-based Range 'Tata Simply Better'

The Economic Times – Big FMCG Companies Enter Plant-Based Meat Segment

Business Standard - Big FMCG companies enter plant-based meat segment, target non-veg consumers

Moneycontrol - Big FMCG companies enter plant-based meat segment

Deccan Chronicle - Tata, ITC entry boosts faux meat hiz