Clean label, plant protein based food grade whiteners

The food industry has a significant demand for sustainable and "natural" whitening solutions. This project aims to develop stable micro- or submicron-sized air bubbles that can be used as food-grade whiteners. The study will investigate common food ingredients, such as protein, polysaccharides, oils, and fats, and other potential components, such as food-grade inorganic particles, in the construction of the whitening air bubbles to replace currently used Titanium Dioxide particles. The development of these whitening air bubbles will be tailored to specific food matrices, with a focus on new plant-based foods like plant-based beverages, cheese analogues, and meat analogues. The goal is to create new and stable whitening air bubbles that will be widely accepted by both food companies and consumers. Upon completion of this project, the selected technology for creating micro- and submicron-sized air bubbles as food-grade whitening agents, which is deemed most promising, should reach a higher level of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) by one level, from TRL 2/TRL 3.