The Missouri-based company says that its new Supro 430 can be used to deliver at least 50 per cent of the protein in nutritional bars without affecting sensory qualities; evaluations have shown that taste and texture characteristics are "excellent".
Solae executives could not be reached prior to publication for more details of the technology behind Supro 430, or how much of a saving it may deliver.
While formulators may enjoy the economic benefits, Solae says that a secondary benefit of increased shelf life will also be appreciated by consumers.
"Our experience in the nutrition bar category tells us that achieving ideal shelf life is not only challenging, but also key to developing consumer loyalty and repeat purchase," said Kip Underwood, global strategy lead, nutrition bar platform.
Supro 430 is being launched at next week's SupplySide West trade show in Las Vegas, and will be showcased in a bar concept aimed at high quality protein and sustained energy at Solae's booth.
While other concepts on display will demonstrate Solae ingredients' uses for bars aimed at heart health, weight management and children's nutrition, the company is also demonstrating possibilities for nutritional beverages.
In particular, it will be showing a high-protein, dry blended beverage concept that can be reconstituted into a fruity beverage.
According to Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, nutrition bars accounted for 36.14 of the food bar market. It predicts that the overall food bars market will be worth around US$5.1 billion by 2010 - caused in part by their transition from the specialist sports arena to the mainstream.