Researchers trial palm oil substitute at ONE SeedPod | ONE

The team behind the innovation is taking full advantage of the ONE SeedPod pilot plant kitchen, a dedicated space for testing new processes, plant and equipment, in a controlled food-safe environment.

PALM-ALT has been developed by researchers at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, to address the current challenges facing the industry and provide a positive solution to the environmental damage associated with palm cultivation.

Palm oil is used in a vast amount of baked goods. QMU’s novel replacement ingredient could offer significant benefits for the food industry, allowing manufacturers to meet increasing consumer demand for tasty, lower-fat, healthier food products while reducing deforestation of the world’s rainforests.

The proof-of-concept trials involved installing a manufacturing plant on-site at ONE SeedPod, located on SRUC’s Craibstone Campus near Aberdeen. A series of production trials conducted by QMU’s Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation achieved consistent commercial samples of PALM-ALT.

Developed and operated by Opportunity North East (ONE), ONE SeedPod brings together a suite of food-safe manufacturing kitchens, new product development, plant process and demonstration kitchens along with in-house experts in one vibrant and empowering community.

Catriona Liddle, Head of Scottish Centre for Food Development & Innovation at Queen Margaret University, said: “Utilising the facilities at ONE SeedPod has enabled the PALM-ALT team to successfully trial the product manufacturing process with confidence, knowing that the necessary food safety procedures are in place. ONE SeedPod enables this without any risks of cross-contamination – our product is allergen-free – in a professional environment where we can site our pilot-scale equipment and bring clients to see the process from start to finish. The ONE SeedPod team is very supportive and has facilitated a smooth transition from our previous location.”

Alan Thorpe, Director of ONE Food & Drink, said: “ONE SeedPod offers dedicated facilities to develop new products and test new processes or equipment, plus a range of support, including facilities management. This combination means that customers can trial, test and innovate in our plug-and-play food-safe kitchens. The team from QMU has experienced this first-hand in recent weeks, in what we hope will be the start of a long relationship supporting them with this and other food innovations.”