Climate
Healthy Meat Protein Substitutes
Derived from Edible Co-Products
Case Study 6
Sonac, a Darling Ingredients brand


Introducing QExtend
QExtend is a fibrated protein derived from pork or beef-based plasma edible co-products. This revolutionary new ingredient can increase the valorisation of existing meat products by replacing up to 25% of the meat.
The fibre can substitute some of the meat or fat content in processed meat products without compromising juiciness, taste, colour stability, texture and product appearance.
The fibrated protein produced by Sonac uses a patented and unique process and offers an ideal solution for supplementing meat products with a muscle fibre-like protein. It has a wide range of applications and can be used in minced, ground and emulsified products such as hamburgers and sausages as well as in fresh, cooked and cured products.
"The fibre can substitute some of the meat or fat content in processed meat products without compromising juiciness, taste, colour stability, texture and product appearance."
Minced & Ground
Hamburgers, meatballs, and ground meat blends
Emulsified Products
Sausages and other emulsified meat preparations
Fresh & Cooked
Fresh, cooked, and cured meat product applications
Health & Climate Benefits
Plasma fibre has meaningful health and climate benefits for the conscientious consumer:
Fat-Free Formula
Being fat free, it can replace fatty meat trimmings for a leaner, healthier meat product.
Reduced Salt Levels
QExtend can be used to reduce salt levels in meat products, supporting healthier diets.
Lower Carbon Footprint
With a lower carbon footprint than the meat it replaces, it contributes to reducing the overall environmental impact of meat products.
Next: Case Study 7