Edmonton-based BioNeutra is getting a $2.9-million interest-free federal loan to grow its product line of organic plant-based food ingredients.

The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will allow the company, founded in 2003, to buy equipment that will double its manufacturing capacity and move its bottling processes from a foreign supplier to its Alberta facility.

BioNeutra focuses on converting starch molecules to healthier food ingredients without chemical modification to produce a naturally sweet, low-calorie, and high-fibre alternative to sugar.

The pea-based VitaFiber line of natural and organic food products are sold to consumers and to food manufacturers.