ADM expands soy and pea protein portfolio as global demand for functional ingredients grows

ADM has expanded its plant protein portfolio with the launch of eight new soy- and pea-based ingredient solutions across North America and Europe, as the company responded to growing global demand for functional, high-protein food formulations.

• ADM launched eight new soy and pea protein ingredients across North America and Europe targeting beverages, dairy alternatives, meat products, and extrusion applications.
• The new portfolio included isolates, concentrates, textured proteins, and pea flour designed for functionality, texture, solubility, and formulation flexibility.
• ADM said 66% of global consumers were looking to increase protein intake, while 86% believed protein from a variety of sources was healthier.

The launches included a mix of soy protein isolates, concentrates, textured proteins, and pea flour designed for applications spanning sports nutrition, dairy alternatives, bakery, snacks, processed meats, and meat alternatives.

ADM reported that 66% of consumers globally were seeking to increase protein intake, while 86% believed it was healthier to obtain protein from a wide range of sources, according to the company’s proprietary consumer research.

“Protein is one of the most dynamic areas of nutrition, with consumers now asking for more variety, functionality and choices than ever before,” said Greg Dodson, Vice President, Protein, North America, at ADM.

“With new ingredient introductions and expanding capabilities in facilities across the globe, ADM is uniquely positioned to not only meet that demand at scale, but to also help shape the future of protein innovation.”

Among the new launches was ProFam 883, a soy protein isolate developed for protein beverages and powders, with ADM highlighting clean taste, high solubility, and dispersibility. ProFam 894 targeted yogurt alternatives and dairy-style beverages with a lighter color profile and medium viscosity.

ADM also introduced several soy protein concentrates under its Arcon range. Arcon IH was developed for processed meat applications including ham and pork chops, while Arcon SB targeted sausages and ground meat products such as meatballs and taco meat. Arcon 412 focused on deli meats and chicken nuggets.

The company additionally launched a pea flour ingredient formulated without allergen labeling requirements. ADM said the ingredient offered neutral taste and color characteristics while contributing fiber content, targeting baked goods, cereal products, batters, and breadings. The product was also positioned as gluten-free and non-GMO.

For European markets, ADM unveiled European-sourced Arcon R and Arcon T soy protein concentrates. The products were designed for meat alternatives, bakery applications, dry extrusion, and extended meat systems, with multiple texture and particle-size options available.

The expansion reflected ADM’s broader push into functional plant proteins as manufacturers sought ingredients capable of delivering improved taste, texture, nutritional quality, and formulation flexibility.

“By expanding our protein portfolio, we're giving customers more precise, functional solutions that will perform across a wide range of applications,” said Tony Payne, Senior Director, Creation, Design, and Development, at ADM.

“This is about delivering choice, and giving consumers access to protein sources that are backed by decades of plant-based expertise and global innovation.”

ADM traced its involvement in plant proteins back to the 1960s, when it introduced TVP, described as the world’s first textured vegetable protein ingredient. The company said its current strategy focused heavily on soy isolates and functional concentrates tailored for regional market requirements across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and South America.

The company also highlighted its global infrastructure supporting protein innovation, including its 36,000ft2 protein solutions center in Decatur, Illinois, an innovation center at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, its SojaProtein facility in Serbia, and its Customer Creation & Innovation Center in Hortolândia, Brazil.

ADM stated that its regional sourcing strategy was intended to provide consistent supply and localized ingredient development capabilities for food manufacturers operating across different markets.