Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) has expanded its line of North American grown and produced protein fortification solutions with the U.S. and Canada launch of VITESSENCE Pea 100 HD, a pea protein optimized for cold-pressed bars.

The new solution helps maintain the softness of cold-pressed bars throughout shelf life, provides preferred texture and sensory attributes, and adds nutritional value to boost consumer preference, according to the company.

Consumers are eating protein bars on more occasions, and texture and taste are important.

“Ingredion developed VITESSENCE Pea 100 HD to reduce the challenges cold-pressed bar manufacturers have and help them find ways to build product superiority in areas that matter to consumers, especially in the area of texture, which is a significant contributor to liking,” said Tara Kozlowich, director global segment marketing, Healthful Solutions Protein Fortification at Ingredion.

“Ingredion identified key consumer drivers such as taste, texture and sensory attributes in the sports and nutrition bar space. Understanding these preference drivers drove the development and launch of the plant protein. Our objective was to reach and maintain low levels of hardness in cold-pressed bars to keep smooth and creamy textures intact from the first bite to the last — throughout the product’s shelf life — without compromising nutrition or the eating experience.”

VITESSENCE Pea 100 HD delivers a minimum of 84% protein on a dry basis, which helps to enable “good” or “excellent” source of protein claims.