Australian-first veggie powder range launched in supermarkets
Food innovator Nutri V has launched a new range of Australian grown, 100% pure vegetable powders.
In an Australian first, Nutri V is repurposing imperfect broccoli, cauliflower and pumpkin into shelf-stable powders thereby giving veggies a new life as well offering a convenient solution to everyday meals for families looking to increase their vegetable intake.
Raquel Said, Nutri V Chief Executive Officer explained the powder range was a great option for people looking to help achieve the recommended five serves of vegetables each day as well as address the pressing issue of perfectly good food going to waste. According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, one serve of vegetable powder is equivalent to 75g fresh vegetable.
"Our powders are an excellent solution for busy people looking to increase their veggie intake and parents trying to sneak some extra veggies into their kids' meals, like adding broccoli powder to Bolognese or pumpkin powder to brownies," said Raquel.
"Between 20% to 30% of vegetables grown in Australia don't make it to retail stores because they don't meet specification. We're converting that slightly imperfect veg into a powder that contains fiber, is ready to use, has no mess or waste and can be added to almost any meal," she added.
Since launching with CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, in 2020 to combat food waste in Australia, Nutri V has diverted more than 200 tons of vegetables from landfill and added more than a million serves of vegetables into the supply chain. The vegetable powder is the star ingredient of the Nutri V Goodies Puffs, which hit Coles shelves nationwide in November 2022.
CSIRO scientist Dr. Pablo Juliano said Nutri V was turning cutting-edge food science into products for all Australians to enjoy while making a difference to the planet.
"The Nutri V team is pioneering sustainability solutions in the agrifood sector by delivering vegetable rich food innovation to the community while also adding value to Australian farmers," he said.
Situated in the fresh produce section at Coles, each 70g pack of broccoli powder has the equivalent of 2.5 heads of broccoli (approx. 750g of broccoli). The 70g pack of cauliflower powder is the equivalent to 2 heads of cauliflower (approx. 750g of cauliflower).
Coles General Manager of Sustainability Brooke Donnelly said the powders provided a sustainable solution to the challenge of food waste, as well as an additional revenue stream for farmers.
"This is an excellent example of how we are working with one of our suppliers to develop a circular economy by converting what was previously wasted food into a valuable and convenient product," said Brooke.
"It also provides a way for our farmers to use all of their crop, which is more sustainable and financially beneficial for our growers," she added.
Australian businesses Sonora Foods, NDIS and Home Care Package meal provider Able Foods, and Qantas' airport lounges have been early users of the Nutri V innovation and solution by utilizing the vegetable powders in their respective applications.
The Nutri V innovation was last year awarded the Butler Market Gardens Environmental and Sustainability Award at Hort Connections, the 2023 Disruptor award in the AU/NZ TMRRW awards, and were a finalist in the Victorian Premier's Sustainability Awards
Nutri V has launched the vegetable powders in Coles stores across Victoria and plan to expand to other states later this year.
Provided by CSIRO