India’s Prot introduces shelf-stable pea protein block for everyday meals

INDIA – Prot, a clean protein food technology start-up, has launched Prot Block, a pea protein-based ingredient designed for easy incorporation into everyday meals, helping consumers meet their daily protein goals.

Made from pea protein and wheat fibre, Prot Block delivers a balanced nutritional profile: 15g protein, 10g fibre, and 7g fat per 100g. 

The product is dairy-free, low in fat, and contains zero cholesterol, making it a versatile addition to a wide range of diets. 

Designed as a direct plant-based protein source for incorporation in everyday meals, it can be integrated into multiple cuisines, from Indian and Asian to global favorites including stir-fries, curries, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

“Prot Block is made using four core ingredients, all clean label, including pea protein, wheat fiber, coconut fat, and sunflower oil. The product is made on a proprietary forming platform, which develops the texture by activating the protein and fiber binding process,” Varun Gadodia, co-founder of Prot (formerly Seaspire), shared with Food Ingredients First.

Gadodia explained that the product’s characteristic texture is developed by emulsifying pea protein with a small percentage of coconut fat and stabilizing it using functional wheat fiber. The formed structure is then subjected to heat processing to achieve shelf stability.

He added that the biggest challenge in formulating the minimalist platform was maintaining texture and nutrition in a shelf-stable form, which the team tackled using precise process controls, without over-processing or compromising on nutritional quality.

Bridging the versatile, minimally processed plant-protein gap

Conventional plant proteins struggle with concerns over being highly processed (like analog meats) or limited in culinary scope (like texturized soy protein chunks). 

Prot Block offers a “balanced middle ground”, a firm, neutral-tasting protein block that can be cut, cooked, and served across diverse applications.

It targets modern vegetarian kitchens looking beyond tofu and dairy-based paneer (Indian cottage cheese).

“Regarding vegetarian protein textures, the offerings are limited, and that restricts both dietary needs (allergens) and culinary play…While both tofu and paneer (and other soy derivatives) are very versatile in their use cases, for consumers, it only boils down to a forced choice rather than a variety,” Gadodia added.

By leveraging its proprietary formulation and processing techniques, Prot has developed a new protein texture using just six clean-label ingredients, with intellectual property filings already underway. 

This gives the company a defensible edge in texture engineering, nutrient stability, and versatile application development, advantages that are now shaping its go-to-market strategy.

Market Penetration and Expansion

Building on its technical foundation, Prot has structured its pricing strategy, around value creation — balancing early customer feedback, unit economics, and supply chain realities.

The block currently goes for ₹199 ($2.3) per 200g product, higher than what Indians pay for paneer and, in many cities, tofu. 

The company anticipates further pricing optimization as production volumes grow and operational efficiencies improve.

To validate its value proposition, Prot conducted a test release with 500 participants, who responded positively to the product’s usability and texture — key factors in its appeal across everyday meals.

“Today’s protein options are either too processed, too bland, or culturally mismatched. Consumers indicated they could now cook dishes they couldn’t earlier because of unsuitable options or dietary requirements,” says Gadodia.

Prot is currently supplying the ingredient through India’s foodservice sector and investing in R&D to expand its ready-to-eat and on-the-go product offerings using the same base texture.

The team plans to launch ready-to-cook meal kits featuring Prot Block, offering consumers a simple and convenient way to meet their daily protein needs.

In its next phase, Prot will focus on entering the markets of the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia.

“Prot Block is just the beginning. We are creating a modular platform for plant protein, where the first win is simplicity, but the long-term impact is habit change,” he concluded.

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