Market Expansion Of Shredded Plant Protein Drives Demand For High-Performance Extrusion Equipment As Key Industry Enabler

As "plant-based meat," "low-carbon diet," and "sustainable protein" become high-frequency buzzwords in the global food industry, a raw material with immense industrial potential is emerging from behind the scenes-plant-based shredded protein. It is an innovative ingredient made from plant proteins such as soy, pea, peanut, or wheat, processed through extrusion, expansion, and shearing to align protein molecules into a fibrous structure that closely resembles animal muscle tissue. Due to its appearance and texture, which are very similar to semi-cooked lean meat, it is also known as "analog meat" or "texturized vegetable protein." In its dried state, shredded plant protein appears as pale yellow solid pieces with a moisture content of about 10%, offering long shelf life and convenient storage and transportation. When used, it only needs to be rehydrated in water for 20 minutes to 1 hour, after which it expands to approximately three times its original weight and develops a distinct shredded, meat‑like texture.

In terms of nutritional value, the protein content of shredded plant protein ranges from 50% to 75%, far exceeding that of pork, beef, and eggs. It contains almost no cholesterol and very low fat. Its excellent water-absorption and oil-holding capacities make it a valuable "functional ingredient" in the food industry. The applications of shredded plant protein can be found in almost all meat-containing food categories, ranging from vegetarian simulated meat products such as vegetarian ham, vegetarian steak, and vegetarian meat floss, to processed meat products like emulsified sausages, Western-style hams, and meatballs, as well as frozen foods such as dumplings and buns. After rehydration, it can also be directly used in cooking dishes, making it a healthy ingredient option for canteens, catering companies, and restaurants.

According to industry statistics, domestic production of shredded plant protein reached approximately 280,000 tons in 2023, with a market size of RMB 4.2 billion, representing a year‑on‑year growth of 23.5% and a domestic localization rate exceeding 92%. Forecasts indicate that the Chinese shredded plant protein market will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 25% from 2024 to 2028, with promising prospects. The production of shredded plant protein relies heavily on extrusion technology, with the twin‑screw extruder being the core equipment of the production line. Under high temperature, high pressure, and the shearing action of the twin screws, protein molecules undergo denaturation, reassembly, and cross‑linking, ultimately forming a fibrous structure.

Jinan Forward Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd., located in Jinan, Shandong Province, is a company specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of extrusion machinery and auxiliary equipment. The company brings together a team of experts with decades of experience in the extrusion industry. It consistently adheres to the principles of "technological innovation first, management and reputation as the foundation," and upholds the business philosophy of "quality excellence, practical work, and integrity in dealing with customers," committed to providing high‑quality extrusion equipment solutions to clients.

In the field of shredded plant protein production equipment, Forward offers the DSE85‑S series complete production line, covering the entire process from ingredient mixing and automatic feeding to extrusion, drying, and cooling. The main extruder has a power rating of 110 kW, with an installed capacity of 190 kW and actual power consumption of 140 kW, and a production capacity of 200‑260 kg/h. The twin‑screw extruder employs variable frequency drive technology, offering energy efficiency and precise speed control. The motor current and speed can be monitored directly via the inverter panel, ensuring safe and stable operation. The multi‑layer dryer in the line uses circulating hot air, with materials passing evenly on the conveyor belt for uniform heating, effectively preserving product quality. The cooling section combines air cooling and water cooling to ensure the material reaches the appropriate temperature before packaging.

In addition to shredded plant protein equipment, the company also provides a wide range of product lines, including textured vegetable protein production lines, vegetarian meat food production lines, pet chew production lines, sandwich rice snack production lines, pasta production lines, nutritional rice production lines, breakfast cereal production lines, and pregelatinized starch production lines, catering to diverse production needs. The company offers customized services from process design and equipment selection to installation and commissioning, based on clients' raw material characteristics and capacity requirements. Currently, our equipment has been exported to more than 20 countries and regions, including the UK, the US, Russia, Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Kazakhstan.

As plant‑based foods move from a "niche concept" to the "mainstream dining table," the application scenarios for shredded plant protein will continue to expand. Shredded plant protein is not just a food ingredient but an important vehicle for the transformation of human dietary structures. In this process, Chinese domestic equipment manufacturers like Jinan Forward will continue to deepen their expertise in extrusion technology, contributing their advanced manufacturing capabilities to the scaling, standardization, and high‑quality development of the industry.