Soy Protein IFF Secures First Heart Health Claim in Australia & New Zealand
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE: IFF), a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health and biosciences, has announced a significant regulatory milestone with the acceptance of a new heart health claim for isolated soy protein by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). This approval represents a major advancement for plant-based nutrition and provides food and beverage manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand with the opportunity to directly link soy protein consumption to the maintenance of healthy blood cholesterol levels.
The newly approved claim allows qualifying products to communicate the scientifically supported relationship between isolated soy protein intake and improved cardiovascular health. For manufacturers, this opens up new pathways to innovate and position products that cater to the growing consumer demand for functional foods—products that deliver not only taste and convenience but also measurable health benefits.
Tony Andrew, Vice President of Protein Solutions at IFF Food Ingredients, emphasized the importance of this achievement. He noted that the approval reflects decades of sustained scientific investment and collaboration in understanding the role of soy protein in heart health. According to Andrew, IFF’s long-standing commitment to ingredient research, combined with its capabilities in product formulation and large-scale production, places the company in a strong position to help customers leverage this regulatory development. By translating science into market-ready solutions, IFF aims to support brands in creating differentiated offerings that align with evolving consumer preferences for health, taste, and sustainability.
The FSANZ approval is backed by an extensive body of scientific evidence generated through a multi-year, cross-continental research collaboration. This initiative involved key organizations such as the Soy Nutrition Institute Global and the U.S. Soybean Export Council, alongside leading academic institutions including the University of Toronto and research teams based in Australia. The collaborative effort underscores the global importance of soy protein research and highlights the role of public-private partnerships in advancing nutritional science.
Under the terms of the new claim, food products can carry the heart health message if they are formulated to help consumers achieve a daily intake of 20–25 grams of isolated soy protein, consumed as part of a balanced and healthy diet. This intake level is consistent with clinical findings demonstrating the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein. The claim provides a clear framework for manufacturers to design products that not only meet regulatory standards but also deliver tangible health outcomes.
Isolated soy protein itself is recognized as a high-quality, plant-based protein containing approximately 90% protein content. It is considered a complete protein because it includes all nine essential amino acids required for human health. Its nutritional profile, combined with its functional versatility, makes it a valuable ingredient across a wide range of applications. These include ready-to-drink beverages, dairy alternatives, nutrition bars, snack products, and a variety of plant-based foods. As consumer interest in plant-based diets continues to grow, ingredients like isolated soy protein are becoming increasingly central to product innovation.
The approval also aligns with broader consumer trends. Today’s consumers are not only seeking plant-based options but are also demanding products that are supported by credible scientific evidence. Functional claims such as heart health benefits can significantly influence purchasing decisions, particularly in categories associated with wellness and preventive health. By enabling such claims, FSANZ is helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and consumer communication.
Dr. Alan Barclay, Ph.D., lead author of the FSANZ submission, highlighted the strength of the clinical evidence underpinning the approval. He explained that research supports a causal relationship between isolated soy protein consumption and improvements in blood lipid profiles, including reductions in LDL cholesterol. This is particularly relevant given the high prevalence of dyslipidemia—an abnormal level of lipids in the blood—which affects a significant portion of the population in both Australia and New Zealand. In Australia alone, approximately 60% of adults are impacted by this condition, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease.
From a public health perspective, the inclusion of soy protein in daily diets offers a practical, food-based strategy for managing cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular risk. Unlike pharmaceutical interventions, dietary approaches can be more accessible and sustainable for long-term health management. The FSANZ-approved claim therefore not only benefits manufacturers but also supports broader health outcomes by encouraging healthier dietary choices among consumers.
With this approval, Australia and New Zealand join a growing list of countries that recognize the link between soy protein consumption and heart health. These include major markets such as the United States, Canada, and Japan, where similar claims have already been established. The global alignment on this issue reinforces the robustness of the scientific evidence and highlights the increasing acceptance of plant-based proteins as a key component of heart-healthy diets.
IFF’s role in this development builds on its long history of innovation in soy protein ingredients, particularly through its well-known SOLAE® SUPRO® portfolio. These products have been developed to deliver not only nutritional benefits but also functional performance in food applications, such as improved texture, stability, and taste. By combining scientific expertise with application knowledge, IFF continues to support manufacturers in bringing high-quality, consumer-relevant products to market.
Looking ahead, the approval is expected to drive increased innovation in the food and beverage sector across Australia and New Zealand. Manufacturers now have the regulatory backing to develop next-generation products that integrate health benefits with sensory appeal. This could lead to a new wave of plant-based offerings that are not only environmentally sustainable but also clinically validated to support heart health.
In summary, the acceptance of the soy protein heart health claim by FSANZ marks a pivotal moment for both the industry and consumers. It validates years of scientific research, strengthens the case for plant-based nutrition, and creates new opportunities for product development and market differentiation. As health-conscious consumers continue to seek foods that deliver real benefits, this milestone positions isolated soy protein as a key ingredient in the future of functional nutrition.
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