The nutritional recommendations emphasize a plant-based diet – plant protein BlackGrain is used to improve the characteristics of food products

BlackGrain, which received a novel food authorisation in 2021, is used to improve the taste, texture and nutritional characteristics of other foods. BlackGrain is mild in taste and contains fibre, protein and good fats.

Its applications include, for example plant protein products, meatballs, snack products, cereals and baking products. The use of BlackGrain can shorten the food chain. It is made from an existing product, which is generated by vegetable oil milling.

“BlackGrain is an exceptional product. Diverse applications and excellent nutritional characteristics make it an attractive ingredient for many products and product groups. It is an excellent match to new nutritional recommendations. Combatting climate change also requires more action from the food sector and innovations such as BlackGrain are part of that work,” says Esa Mäki, Apetit’s CEO.

The increased popularity of plant-based diets has been reflected in demand: Sales of Apetit's vegetarian patties and balls have been growing strongly both in households and professional kitchens.

“Apetit has responded to the growing demand for plant-based eating already in 2018 by investing in the patty and ball line at the Säkylä frozen food factory. BlackGrain represents an excellent continuation of Apetit's long-term initiatives,” says Mäki.”

BlackGrain – a significant growing opportunity for Apetit

Apetit starts an analysis for looking into options for producing the BlackGrain from Yellow Fields rapeseed powder, a plant protein that contains a lot of fibre. The analysis assesses potential partnerships and organizing production by investment in the Kantvik vegetable oil milling plant or by purchased services. The analysis is expected to be completed in 2025.

“We seek a sustainable solution for producing BlackGrain and increasing productivity. Until now, subcontractors have been responsible for the production of BlackGrain, providing us with valuable knowledge and lessons. Thanks to diligent development work, we have added to our own knowledge of the technological requirements”, says Timo Huttunen, Director, Oilseed Products at Apetit.

The sales volumes in 2024 are still small and mainly associated with customer product testing and other trial batches. BlackGrain’s impact on the net sales of Oilseed Products is estimated to be small for the time being. The impact on operating profit is negative.

For the time being, the manufacturing of the product is subcontracted within the EU.

What is BlackGrain?

• Innovative food ingredient processed from turnip rape and rapeseed, received a novel food authorisation in 2021
• Preserves the good nutritional characteristics of turnip rape and rapeseed: it contains fibre, protein and good fats
• Mild in taste, diverse applications
• Used to improve the texture and nutritional characteristics of food products
• As little processed as possible
• Innovation that shortens the food chain – made from a product generated by vegetable oil milling
• Vegan, gluten-free, FODMAP-compliant, GMO-free
• Can be used in plant protein products, meatballs, snack products, granola products and baking products to improve their taste, nutritional characteristics and texture
• Pictures of BlackGrain