Novonesis elevates plant-based drink experience with new Vertera® Velvet for texture, stability

DENMARK – Biosolutions provider Novonesis has introduced Vertera Velvet, an ingredient that transforms plant-based drinks to have long-lasting foam, better texture, and superior stability, helping producers meet increasing consumer expectations.

This innovation has proven essential since many consumers who first try plant-based drinks in coffee when making the switch usually end up disappointed by the coffee stability issues that happen when plant-based drinks meet coffee.

Foam, on the other hand, is a crucial component of the drink experience as it lends an airy texture, visual appeal, and a smooth feeling. But to achieve the great taste, barista-style foam, with a smooth texture, that people expect, it requires small, uniform bubbles, the ideal height, easy pouring, and enough time for the foam to last for people to enjoy.

With Vertera® Velvet, Novonesis is therefore redefining the plant-based drink experience by addressing these challenges, making it easier to get great taste, high protein, and a velvety texture in a variety of plant-based drinks.

“Biosolutions unlock the full potential of plant-based drinks by enhancing taste, texture, and functionality, without adding complexity or compromising on sustainability. We help plant-based producers in meeting consumers’ expectations, from protein nutrition to improving foaming and coffee stability,” Birgitte Borch, Head of Plant & Food at Novonesis, stated.

For pea protein, soy drinks, and blends of plant-based beverages, Vertera® Velvet can help producers create drinks that offer excellent coffee stability, without the unpleasant look and feel of curdling.

For oat drinks, Vertera® Velvet helps achieve high-quality foam that holds up over time. Even with blends of plant-based drinks, Vertera® Velvet delivers the same enjoyable experience, making it a versatile choice.  

“Through close collaboration with our customers, we develop tailored solutions that make the most out of raw materials and allow them to transform their products into premium options for the broad market,”  Birgitte Borch added.

The plant-based beverage industry

According to Research and Markets, the plant-based beverages industry is projected to reach US$47 billion by 2030.

The rise of flexitarianism, combined with growing environmental concerns, is fueling demand, as consumers seek to reduce their carbon footprint and opt for more sustainable food choices.

Novonesis, therefore, is taking part in meeting these demands by offering biosolutions that get more from less and make processes more sustainable and efficient. They enable great taste, texture, and appearance with simpler, shorter labels. 

Novonesis at a glance

Novonesis is divided into two divisions, supporting healthier lives and a healthier planet.

For more than a century, they have been copying, engineering, and improving the power of biology to solve problems.

Leveraging microbes and enzymes, Novonesis harnesses these agents of change to innovate sustainable biosolutions in sync with the mechanisms of nature. By doing this, the company makes a positive impact on its customers and helps build a greener future for everyone.

Their portfolio is manufactured at scale in-house and includes prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, novel vitamins, proteins, and many other biosolutions to help meet people’s complex needs

In 2024 Chr. Hansen and Novozymes joined forces to form Novonesis, and they currently have 10,000 people worldwide whose expertise spans more than 30 different industries.

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