Plant-based ingredients maker Ojah to introduce vegan ‘ribs’

Plant-based ingredients producer Ojah will launch vegan ‘ribs’ in December following six years of product development.

The meat alternative is created using Heppi, Ojah’s new protein texture made from yellow peas and water.

According to Netherlands-based Ojah, the texture of the product “delivers the bite, mouthfeel and juiciness of meat”.

Ojah, which also makes a chicken alternative product called Plenti, said the ‘ribs’ are suitable for grilling on a barbecue or warming up in an oven.

The product will be launched during the Food Ingredients Europe trade show in Paris next month and will initially be available to Dutch foodservice outlets.

“For the past six years, Ojah has been working on extending its high moisture extruded ingredients portfolio,” said Joeri Hollink, head of product development at Ojah.

“We were focused on developing a new texture based on a different protein source than soya, but with the same wow effect as Plenti.”

He added: “With the premiere of the world’s first vegan ribs during Fi Europe in Paris, Ojah demonstrates how Heppi can be used to mimic pork ribs.”

 Last year, Kerry Group formed a joint venture company with Ojah owner Korys. According to Kerry, the core aim of the venture is to strengthen relations with Ojah’s customer base and develop new plant-based products.