Plant-Based Food

Oxidation, shelf life, and composition analysis

Brabender MT-CA, for example, precisely determines moisture in plant-based powders such as flours, starches, or protein concentrates as well as whole grains and other solids using automated oven drying. It enables fast, simultaneous testing of up to 10 samples with accurate, calibration-free results for reliable quality control.

RapidOxy 100 provides rapid, safe, and reproducible determination of oxidation stability for oils, fats, seeds, powders, or finished products. It accelerates the oxidation process under controlled temperature and oxygen pressure, allowing manufacturers to predict shelf life and evaluate antioxidants. Multiwave 5001 and Multiwave 7301 enable fast microwave-assisted digestion and extraction for fat content determination, trace element analysis, and nutritional profiling – providing reliable analysis of complex matrices such as oils, spreads, plant-based milks, powders, and meat analogues. The DMA 502, 1002, and 4002 density meters offer all the features you need for accurate density analysis, while the Abbemat Essential refractometer series is suitable for liquids, viscous or solid substances, and turbid solutions. 

Texture, Viscosity and rheology

ViscoQC 100/300 and Brabender ViscoQuick measure viscosity, flow behavior, and yield points of liquids, semi-solids, and suspensions, supporting quality control and product development. MCR rheometers provide advanced rheological profiling under variable shear and temperature conditions, ideal for simulating processing environments and understanding textural behavior. Brabender FarinoGraph evaluates water absorption, mixing, and dough development for any kind of gluten-containing or gluten-free flours – including corn, rice, or pulse flours – supporting the optimization of formulations and processing parameters. 

PNR 12 measures penetration and plasticity of semi-solid and solid samples, providing direct insight into spreadability, firmness, and consistency. UTM Micro complements this with compression and texture profile analysis for gels, meat analogues, and plant-based dairy alternatives, ensuring optimal mouthfeel and product performance.

Particle size and solid density

Litesizer DIF and DIA series measure particle size distribution in powders, flours, beverages, and proteins, ensuring stability, mouthfeel, and solubility, while Ultratap and Ultrapyc assess tapped and skeletal density for powders and solids, supporting flowability, packaging, and storage optimization.

Process control and quality assurance

Anton Paar inline solutions ensure consistent quality and efficient production of plant-based foods. L-Rix monitors total dissolved solids for accurate dosing and consistent texture in milks, sauces, and protein beverages. L-Dens tracks density, while Oxy 4100 and 5100 measure dissolved oxygen to prevent oxidation and maintain shelf life. L-Cor Coriolis mass flow meters deliver precise flow control. Together, these instruments optimize processing, reduce waste, and guarantee reliable product quality across liquid and semi-solid plant-based foods.

Extrusion and texturization of plant-based foods

The Brabender TwinLab series twin-screw extruders simulate real-world extrusion processes for plant-based meat analogues, snacks, and protein products. These instruments enable R&D teams to optimize texture, structure, and expansion using small sample quantities, with integrated torque and pressure measurement to provide insight into product consistency. High-moisture and low-moisture extrusion can be tested to replicate production conditions, supporting development of high-quality, plant-based alternatives with reproducible results.