Israel-based Gadot Biochemical Industries, a global mineral supplier, recently discussed its new focus on plant-based milk fortification in light of the popularity of these dairy alternatives, emphasizing the importance of creating products with equivalent or stronger mineral content to cow’s milk.  
 
Citing Statista Research, the company reports that in 2020, the global sales of dairy alternatives amounted to about $22.6 billion. Sales of soymilk in the U.S. alone were set to reach about $1.13 billion, a dramatic increase from $881 million in 2016.
 
“This shows what we believe is a long-term trend, and a consumer commitment to plant-based milk alternatives,” Ohad Cohen, Gadot Biochemical Industries chief executive officer, said. “With all the advantages associated with alternative milk products, it has to be fortified with minerals to be nutritionally equivalent with cow’s milk.”
 
Gadot offers a range of minerals, enabling fortification of plant-based milk with all dairy macro-minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Different forms are available and suitable for fortification using ultra-high temperature processing for pasteurized beverages, without compromising the organoleptic profile and stability over the period of the products’ shelf lives, the company said.
 
As part of the program, Gadot provides product development assistance to ensure desirable bioavailability, solubility, taste, mouthfeel, color, and mineral content for claimed health benefits, such as bone health, muscle support, and cardiovascular function for calcium, immune support for zinc, and potassium for electrolyte balance.
 
“Milk analogues must be fortified to provide the health benefits of cow’s milk,” Cohen said. “But they can also provide more with our mineral fortifications, which gives brands extended value for the health-minded consumer.”