Opportunities for Food and Beverage Manufacturers
IFF (NYSE: IFF), a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health & biosciences, announced that the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) accepted a new heart health claim for isolated soy protein. This approval enables food and beverage manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand to associate soy protein consumption with healthy blood cholesterol levels, marking a significant milestone for the company.
"For decades, IFF has invested in the science behind soy protein and its role in supporting cardiovascular health," said Tony Andrew, Vice President of Protein Solutions for IFF Food Ingredients. "This approved claim validates years of rigorous research and collaboration. With our deep expertise in ingredient science, application, and scale, we are well-positioned to help our customers translate this milestone into differentiated products that deliver on health, taste, and sustainability."
Manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand can now promote products containing 20-25 grams of isolated soy protein as beneficial for maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels. This new permission allows consumers to achieve the benefits as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Research and Development
The heart health claim results from a multi-year, cross-continental research collaboration involving IFF, the Soy Nutrition Institute Global, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council. Researchers from Australia and the University of Toronto contributed significantly to this extensive study.
Isolated soy protein is a 90% plant-based, high-quality, complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Its functional versatility makes it widely used in beverages, dairy alternatives, nutrition bars, snacks, and plant-based foods, categories where consumers increasingly seek products that combine taste with clinically supported health benefits.
"The clinical evidence supports a causal relationship between isolated soy protein consumption and improved blood lipids," said Dr. Alan Barclay, Ph.D., lead author of the FSANZ submission. With dyslipidemia affecting around 60 per cent of Australian adults and many New Zealanders, daily consumption of soy protein offers a practical food-based nutrition strategy to help manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Australia and New Zealand join 11 other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan, that recognise the link between soy protein consumption and heart health. This global recognition is backed by decades of research and innovation on the SOLAE® SUPRO® soy protein portfolio.
Following this approval, IFF is actively working with food and beverage manufacturers across the region to develop next-generation products. These products are positioned to support heart health, providing brands with new opportunities in the plant-based nutrition market.
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 8:05 pm
