RAPS launches compound solution for plant-based roast alternatives
German spice manufacturer introduces functional ingredient system targeting rapidly expanding plant-based main dish market, with specialised seasoning formulations for roast pork, beef and poultry alternatives achieving Nutri-Score A ratings.
RAPS GmbH & Co. KG has unveiled its latest innovation in plant-based food technology with the launch of Compound Vegan Roast, a comprehensive ingredient solution designed to address the technical challenges of creating authentic meat-free roast alternatives. The Kulmbach-based company’s new offering combines functional binding properties with specialised seasoning systems to deliver what the manufacturer describes as seamless production integration.
Market dynamics drive innovation
The timing reflects significant market momentum in plant-based main dishes, with Innova Market Insights data indicating 57% compound annual growth rate between June 2020 and June 2024. This expansion follows RAPS’s successful penetration of plant-based cold cuts, burgers, sausages and nuggets segments, positioning the company to capture emerging opportunities in the roast category.
“With our compound for vegan roasts, we are taking the next logical step in the development of plant-based products,” explains Klaus Vogt, Head of Product Development for Meat & Alternative Proteins at RAPS. “Our goal was to combine a familiar flavour with technological safety in a way that allows for seamless integration into existing production environments.”
Technical specifications and functionality
The Compound Vegan Roast system operates as a functional mixture engineered to ensure texture stability, binding efficacy and heat resistance across diverse processing conditions. The formulation maintains compatibility with existing production infrastructure, eliminating requirements for additional technological modifications whilst delivering heat and storage stability suitable for meal kits, frozen products and tinned applications.
RAPS has developed complementary seasoning formulations specifically calibrated for vegan alternatives to traditional roast proteins, including pork, beef and poultry variants. The ingredient architecture supports clean label positioning through reduced additive requirements, with the roast beef and roast pork formulations achieving Nutri-Score A classifications in end applications.
Production versatility and applications
The compound’s modular design enables flexible processing across traditional manufacturing systems, supporting both vegetarian and vegan configurations. Integration capabilities extend to sauce and side dish combinations, creating scalable application frameworks adaptable to diverse market requirements and consumer preferences.
Processing flexibility represents a key technical advantage, with the compound maintaining functionality across various production methodologies whilst supporting customisation for different target demographics and regional taste profiles.
Strategic positioning
RAPS’s entry into the vegan roast segment builds upon the company’s century-long expertise in ingredient innovation and represents expansion of its alternative protein portfolio. With seven production facilities across Germany and Austria and a global workforce exceeding 900 employees, the company processes over 1,700 raw materials annually, producing more than 40,000 tonnes of food ingredients and additives.
The compound solution addresses growing consumer demand for wholesome, plant-based alternatives whilst maintaining familiar flavour profiles and nutritional benchmarks that align with health-conscious purchasing decisions.
- For more information, visit: raps.com
