A Wealth of Wellness Ingredients in the Windy City

From immunity straws and fiberenriched ravioli and pizza to a growing number of novel protein sources, nutritional ingredients were on display in a multitude of finished products at the IFT Food Expo^® in Chicago this summer. This indicates that there is no slowing down in innovation in the area of functional foods and beverages. Here is a sampling of some of the unique and healthy ingredients and prototypes that were on display.

Proteins
MGP Ingredients, Atchison, Kan. (www.mgpingredients.com), introduced a new wheat protein isolate, Optein™, for exercise recovery and potential ergogenic acid. The new, lightly hydrolyzed wheat protein can be used as an ingredient in a number of food and beverage applications to support muscle recovery and help reduce soreness. Optein is an ideal choice for food manufacturers who are looking for a plant-based protein alternative that provides high glutamine content not obtainable from whey or soy.   

Cyvex Nutrition Inc., Irvine, Calif. (www.cyvex.com), showcased its unique protein offerings, including SOLATHIN, a pure potato protein concentrate that delivers 40% of satiety-inducing protease inhibitor PI-2 to help individuals eat less and to give them more control over their weight management goals. Alfapro is an alfalfa juice protein concentrate that contains more than 50% protein in addition to 18 amino acids, antioxidants, chlorophyll, xanthophylls, vitamins, and minerals along with alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acid. Cyvex’s whey protein concentrates are hormone-free whey protein powders that are supplement-grade concentrates containing high levels of branched-chain amino acids and natural enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients. Cyvex also added a new  ingredient, Protomine™, a new line of lean, sustainably sourced, fat-free fish protein powders made from a whole food source. Protomine delivers a hydrolyzed marine protein at greater than 80% concentration in its natural unflavored form and contains naturally occurring trace elements in bioavailable organic forms. Containing all eight essential amino acids, Protomine delivers an amino acid profile supporting the balanced needs of the human body with high levels of arginine, histidine, and lysine, all important building blocks for human muscle.    

AIDP Inc., City of Industry, Calif. (www.aidp.com), introduced a new sprouted brown rice protein. Gabiotein™ is a proprietary sprouted brown rice protein that addresses numerous issues such as continually rising costs of other protein sources, a growing vegan market, and growing awareness of whey, soy protein, and other food allergens and sensitivities. Sprouting results in nutritional benefits such as a more balanced amino acid profile. Rice protein has been shown to have similar musclebuilding capabilities as whey protein. Gabiotein is ideal for bars, beverages, cereals, and sweet and savory snacks. The company’s manufacturing facility only processes rice products and does not contract equipment and therefore, it is free of any allergen contamination.   

Roquette America Inc., Geneva, Ill. (www.roquetteamerica.com), promoted its microalgae-based food ingredients. The company showcased two innovative ingredients—a high-lipid and a high-protein microalgae-based ingredient—both of which are natural origin, whole ingredients that dramatically improve nutrition and texture in many applications such as bakery and culinary for the lipid version and dietary supplements and particular nutrition for the protein version.

Rousselot, Mukwonago, Wis. (www.rousselot.com), showcased its innovative Synergy Systems™ range. The company highlighted the extensive applications of these high-performance, gelatine-based solutions in addition to its flexible Peptan^® collagen peptides range. The ingredients in the Synergy Systems line are easy to use, composed of different types of gelatine, or a specific gelatine coupled with another ingredient such as pectin. The Rousselot team showcased Rousselot Light Cream Cheese Spread, a cream cheese spread that is high in protein and provides fat reduction of 25%. Peptan collagen peptides are natural, highly digestible, and bioactive ingredients. Extensive research has shown that Peptan benefits mobility and can promote healthy bones, joints, and muscles. Clinical research has also shown Peptan’s ability to rejuvenate skin collagen structure. Rousselot offered Anti-Aging Bars, marshmallow bars enhanced with Peptan collagen to offer bone, joint, and skin beauty benefits.   

Highlighting exciting and novel ways to include dairy proteins and ingredients throughout the entire day was the focus for the U.S. Dairy Export Council^® (USDEC), Arlington, Va. (www.InnovateWithDairy.com, usdec. org). USDEC provided new concepts, research, and insights to best meet consumer trends including weight management, healthy aging, sodium reduction, and simple ingredient labels. Café Yogurt Frappé was made with yogurt and whey protein concentrate. The chilled coffee drink combined highquality protein, calcium, riboflavin, and phosphorus with all the caffeine from a cup of coffee. Savory, Soft Protein Pretzel was a delicious snack that provided a good source of protein (18% Daily Value). Made with whey protein concentrate 80, milk permeate, and unsalted butter, this dairy-based formulation reduced sodium by 73% when compared with a traditional pretzel. Veggie Moo Dumpling with Reduced Sodium Sauce delivered an excellent source of protein. Combining high-quality dairy protein with flour for the dough delivered 22% Daily Value of protein. The sauce used whey permeate to boast a 37% sodium reduction. Mock Mint Protini was a protein-infused, nonalcoholic minty martini cocktail mix. It contained whey protein isolate, offering 20% Daily Value of protein for a satisfying happy hour.   

International Dehydrated Foods, Springfield, Mo. (www.idf.com), presented a high-protein chicken powder in trending applications. It introduced its poultry-based ingredients rich in protein, flavor, nutrition, and function in a range of unexpected applications. The company featured a high-protein pasta and smoothie made with IDF High-Protein Chicken Powder. It is a highly digestible, complete protein that naturally delivers all of the essential and nonessential amino acids. A palatable protein that provides significant nutritional value, the chicken powder is competing directly with dairy- and plant-based proteins and going where meat-based proteins have yet to widely venture, including sports drinks and protein powders.

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Dietary Fiber 
Shortbread cookies and smoothies showcased NUTRAFLORA^® prebiotic fiber and HI-MAIZE^® resistant starch from Ingredion, Westchester, Ill. (www.ingredion.com). Vital Sugar Balance Cookies specifically improved the underlying metabolic pathway behind weight, blood sugar, and energy balance. Rich in HI-MAIZE resistant starch, the fiber has been shown in clinical trials to significantly improve insulin sensitivity, help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and increase satiety. NUTRAFLORA scFOS, a soluble prebiotic fiber shown in clinical trials to significantly improve digestive health and improve calcium absorption, boosted the fiber to 5 g per cookie. Bone Health Pomegranate Smoothie offered prebiotic fiber, 50% Daily Value of calcium, and reduced sugar. The smoothie featured NUTRAFLORA natural prebiotic fiber, ENLITEN reb A stevia, and AQUAMIN natural calcified mineral source.

A toasted deli sandwich on a fiberenriched roll featured TruBran^® corn bran from Grain Processing Corp., Muscatine, Iowa (www.grainprocessing.com). Gourmet creamy mushroom soup with high-fiber orzo pasta showcased the versatility of TruBran, an insoluble fiber with total dietary fiber levels more than 85%. It was also featured in a whole grain cracker.

ADM/Matsutani LLC, Decatur, Ill. (www.fibersol.com), showcased a range of prototypes featuring at least one Fibersol^® product (digestion-resistant maltodextrin). Caramel-coated popcorn contained Fibersol-2 to deliver 5 g of fiber in a 30 g serving. Fibersol-LQ corn syrup and Fibersol-2 were added to a raspberry-flavored frozen Greek yogurt bar with a dark chocolate-flavored coating. Both were used to give the frozen yogurt an increase in fiber as well as reduce calories and sugar. Fibersol-2 AG was added to an indulgent instant hot chocolate mix and an instant mocha mix to provide 2.5 g of fiber per serving. Fibersol-2 AG was also featured in an açai berry infuser to instantly add flavor and fiber to any bottle of water. Fibersol-LQ was also added to butter pecan-flavored pancake syrup to provide 12 g of fiber per 60 mL serving.

Nexira, Somerville, N.J. (www.nexira.com), showcased Fibregum™, an all-natural and GMO-free source of 90% soluble dietary fiber from carefully selected acacia tree gum. It is a clean label ingredient and appeals to consumers because it is 100% vegetable origin and available in organic grades. Clinical studies have demonstrated the numerous health benefits of Fibregum and its prebiotic properties at a daily dose of 6–15 g.

A variety of prototypes showcased BiPRO^®, a whey protein isolate from Davisco Foods International Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn. (www.daviscofoods.com). Whey protein contains the highest leucine concentration among protein sources. Chocolate milk contained 10 g of protein per 8 fluid ounce serving, qualifying for an “Excellent Source of Protein” claim, with BiPRO contributing 2 g of protein per serving. A lightly sweetened, whole-grain/multigrain cereal contained 5 g of protein per 30 g serving, qualifying for a “Good Source of Protein” claim. Hummus contained 5 g of protein per 1 ounce serving. Gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies contained 10 g of protein per serving (3 cookies). BiPRO is a soluble, easy to digest whey protein that is quickly absorbed into the body to start rebuilding and repairing lean muscle tissue. It is also rich in the amino acid leucine, which research has proven to preserve lean muscle tissue while promoting fat loss. BiPRO is one of the highest natural sources of leucine—20 g of protein from BiPRO provides 2.5 g of leucine.

Burcon NutraScience Corp., Vancouver, Canada (www.burcon.ca), officially launched its new Peazazz^® pea protein. Visitors experienced the ingredient’s uniquely clean flavor characteristics and excellent solubility that allow its use in both low and neutral pH beverages as well as in a variety of other food and beverage product applications. Burcon demonstrated two products that highlight Peazazz’s unique qualities and versatility: Peach Mango Rhythm made from 30% real juice with all-natural flavors and containing 5 g of Peazazz pea protein per 250 mL serving, and Vanilla Jazz, a neutral pH milk-style beverage with a faint hint of vanilla flavoring fortified with vitamins and minerals and 5 g of Peazazz pea protein per 250 mL serving.

More than just for gummies and marshmallows, GELITA^® gelatine and collagen peptides from GELITA USA Inc., Sergeant Bluff, Iowa (www.gelita.com), are widely used in everyday products for health, fitness, fun, and convenience. GELITA Collagen Proteins have the properties to optimize the quality of many products: gummies, marshmallows, mousses, cream cheese, cheese dip/spread, salad dressing, functional foodstuffs, or beverages. And, for increased marketability, GELITA offers the first commercially available kosher gelatin, Geliko^® Kosher Gelatine. GELITA PEPTIPLUS^® is a natural protein source of neutral odor and taste. The ingredient offers bar and beverage opportunities in the areas of performance, healthy aging, and health and wellness nutrition.

High protein was the theme of three dairy beverage concepts designed to target consumers in search of a nutritional boost from Arla Foods Ingredients, Basking Ridge, N.J. (www.arlafoodsingredients.com). Visitors were able to taste how a high protein load can work well in milk, juice, and yogurt beverages with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. From the company’s bakery team, an apple-spiced muffin demonstrated the ability of functional milk proteins to maximize the sensory appeal of a 100% egg-free recipe. Arla Foods Ingredients’ nutritional experts were available to talk about the company’s advanced whey protein hydrolysate Lacprodan^® Hydro.365 for rapid sports recovery and the UHT-stable whey protein Lacprodan^® DI-7017 for nutritional ready-to-drink beverages with a neutral pH.

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Energy and Weight Management
BENEO Inc., Morris Plains, N.J. (www.beneo.com), presented Smart Energy Management, a new perspective of weight management addressed by the company’s specialty carbohydrates and prebiotic fibers. The key to a sustainable and healthy weight is to keep the balance between calorie intake and energy output. BENEO’s ingredient profile can easily assist in this goal by offering prebiotic fibers that help in eating less and their specialty carbohydrate Palatinose™ that supports fat burning. BENEO’s prebiotic fibers Orafti^®Synergy1 (oligofructose-enriched inulin) and Orafti oligofructose, both chicory inulin type fructans, help in eating less and play an important role in body weight management, as recent scientific studies have confirmed. BENEO’s Palatinose (isomaltulose) optimizes the use of energy. Various studies have proven that the company’s functional carbohydrate aids the body to burn fat more effectively as an energy source when under physical activity. Visitors were treated to a sampling of products that help sustain Smart Energy Management, including a fiber protein drink made with Orafti Synergy1, a fiber-enriched gluten-free cookie with rice flour, a low glycemic sugar-free cookie made with ISOMALT, and a low-glycemic endurance beverage made with Palatinose.

Bioenergy Life Science Inc., Minneapolis, Minn. (www.bioenergyribose.com), showcased Bioenergy Ribose, a natural solution to the growing demand for sustained energy. Olympic medalists and world-class triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett were at the booth to discuss how supplementing with Bioenergy Ribose helps them to maintain high energy levels during exercise, increases endurance, speeds up recovery time, and reduces muscle stiffness and soreness. Prototypes with Bioenergy Ribose available for sampling included Chewy Granola Bars—Ready to Eat Oats Honey & Nuts (500 mg of ribose per 16 g bar), Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie (400 mg of ribose per 28 g baked cookie), and Liquid Energy Drink Beverage (3 g of ribose per 8 fl oz).

Immunity
A decaffeinated green coffee bean extract, Svetol^®, was featured in Zest Body Instant Drink Mix. The extract reduces body weight, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, increases the lean mass-to-fat mass ratio, and inhibits glucose-6-phosphatase in the liver. Naturex, Hackensack, N.J. (www.naturex.com), also launched a new Energy Chew concept. The chews have been created to show confectionery manufacturers the potential for creating functional candy concepts with great taste and wide appeal among consumers. The citrus-flavored Energy Chews contain the naturally energizing extracts guarana and panax ginseng root from Naturex’s NAT healthy™ range.

Ganeden Biotech, Cleveland, Ohio (www.GanedenBC30.com, www.GanedenBiotech.com), announced six new partner product launches. More than 80 foods and beverages now feature the patented probiotic GanedenBC30^®, which can be baked, boiled, squeezed, or frozen. PreGel Happy Yo Super Sprint is a complete, instant mix for the creation of frozen yogurt that features the signature tart flavor of Yoggi 30^® and GanedenBC30 probiotics. TapOut All-In-One is a meal replacement mix. Six Star Instant Protein Smoothie is an all-in-one vegan-based protein formula, packed with fiber, vitamin C, and GanedenBC30. BarnDad’s RISE Original Instant Green Coffee with Probiotics is a blend of premium Columbian coffee that contains 500 mg of green coffee extract along with GanedenBC30 Probiotics. Copper Moon Probiotic Instant and Fizz Sparkling Probiotic were also featured. GanedenBC30 is a spore-forming probiotic bacterium, which protects the cell’s genetic material from the heat and pressure of manufacturing processes, the challenges of shelf life, and the acid and bile it is exposed to during digestive transit. The viable spore is then able to germinate and produce new vegetative cells once it is safely inside the small intestine.

Solazyme Inc., South San Francisco, Calif. (www.solazyme.com), is a renewable oil and bioproducts company that offers innovative microalgae food ingredients. These include a suite of revolutionary high lipid and high protein ingredients as well as a tailored food oils portfolio. The suite of ingredients can have a positive impact on obesity and weight control, provide shorter and cleaner ingredient labels, and reduce food allergens all while using sustainable and naturally derived ingredients. Almagine™ HL Whole Algalin Flour is rich in lipids, protein, fiber, and micronutrients. It is vegan, trans fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and free of known allergens.

Biothera, the Immune Health Company, Eagan, Minn. (www.wellmune.com), showcased all-new applications of Wellmune WGP^®, the clinically proven natural immune booster. Visitors were introduced to Prodefensis Yogurt from Grupo Gloria that contains both Wellmune and a probiotic, and Prebiotic Freeze Pops with Immune Support made by Fun Treats Inc. They also learned about Tubulars™ Immunity Straws from Unistraw USA. Wellmune is a beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast. Nine published human clinical studies consistently demonstrate the ability of Wellmune to safely boost key immune cells that keep the body healthy.

Glycemic Index Laboratories, Toronto, Canada (www.gilabs.com), is an ISO 9001:2008 certified clinical research facility. It conducts acute and long-term trials in healthy subjects or specific target populations, following recognized methodologies or custom-designed protocols. The range of services includes satiety and satiation assessment, markers of metabolism analysis, Glycemic Index determination, continuous blood glucose monitoring, CVD risk factors, weight-loss trials, multi-center trials, NHP, and novel fiber classification.

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Whole Grains
ConAgra Mills^®, Omaha, Neb. (www.conagramills.com), featured four interactive “learning” stations that highlighted the industry’s hot topics: new ingredient innovations, fiber and nutrition, school foodservice and kids’ menus, and food safety and cost savings. Attendees learned about ConAgra Mills’ new ingredient innovations such as Ultragrain^® High Performance, the groundbreaking flour with the whole grain nutrition and mainstream white flour appeal of Ultragrain; Chopped Sustagrain^®, an all-natural, ultra-high fiber whole grain that provides three times the heart-healthy fiber of oats, along with glycemic, satiety and  weightmanagement benefits; and the full line of ConAgra Mills Ancient Grains. A variety of samples included Ragu Napolitana with Roasted Eggplant, Kale and Braised Pork (Ultragrain Pasta Plus™ spaghetti), Southern-Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy (51% Ultragrain Whole Wheat Flour in biscuits and Sustagrain Flour in gravy), Gluten-Free Brownies (ConAgra Mills Gluten-Free 51% Whole Multigrain All Purpose Flour), and Ancient Grains Ravioli with Rocket Pesto, Shaved Parmesan and Olive Oil (ConAgra Mills Ancient Grains).

SK Food International, Fargo, N.D. (www.skfood.com), introduced the addition of Identity Preserved Non-GMO and Certified Organic Quinoa Crisps to its extensive line of Premium Quality Ingredients. SK Food offers quinoa crisps as a whole grain product. Quinoa is considered to be an ancient grain, meaning the grain has remained unchanged by modern science and breeding technologies over time. Ancient grains, including quinoa, often also carry another moniker, “supergrains,” due to their high level of protein, in addition to many other health benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Another distinctive health benefit of quinoa is that it is naturally gluten-free. The quinoa crisps are custom-milled and can be processed according to specific requirements.

Minerals
Jungbunzlauer Inc., Newton Ctr., Mass.(www.jungbunzlauer.com), promoted HealthyChoices ingredients by showcasing reduced-sugar and mineral-fortified products. The company’s organic mineral salts allow the highest fortification levels in milk, yogurt, and drinking yogurt without compromise in taste or mouthfeel. The portfolio comprises calcium, magnesium, and zinc salts that offer a wide range of approved health claims, speaking to crucial topics such as bone health, immunity, energy, and cognitive functions. Blue Pacific Flavors, City of Industry, Calif. (www.bluepacificflavors.com), introduced its new line of plant-based ingredients, PurePlant 100% trace plant minerals. PurePlant is a blend of plant-derived colloidal minerals sourced from a 640- acre underground vegetate mine in the southwest U.S. composed of an estimated 600 prehistoric plants that grew when the earth’s topsoil still possessed 80 to 100 minerals. Senonian vegetate yields 75 hydrophilic plant-derived minerals that are water soluble, negatively charged and between 1,000 to 1,000,000 times smaller than metallic minerals that come directly from the earth, making them more soluble and effective than metallic minerals currently used in supplements or foods and beverages. PurePlant is a self-affirmed GRAS product and is available for exclusive finished product categories under a branded ingredient licensing program for beverage and food  categories.

Nuts and Botanicals
A one-ounce serving of natural or roasted almonds contains 6 g of protein and 3.5 g of fiber. It’s a top food source of the antioxidant vitamin E as well as magnesium. In addition, a 2012 study showed whole almonds may provide the body with 20% fewer calories than Nutrition Facts labels currently state—129 calories per ounce instead of the current 160. Almond Board of California, Modesto, Calif. (www.almonds.com), conducted live daily cooking demos and almond product sampling with renowned research chef John Csukor. Attendees were able to watch the cooking demonstrations and sample a variety of almond-centric snack product ideas, including Almond Snack Bars, Almond Pizzelle Cookie Sandwiches (almond flour cookies filled with spiced almond butter, dark chocolate-almond spread, or almond crème and lavender honey), and Almond “Trilogy.”

Blue Diamond Global Ingredients, Sacramento, Calif. (www.bdingredients.com), showcased a series of product demonstrations by corporate chef Adam Moore of Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations. The demonstrations focused on innovative product concepts highlighting the versatility of almonds as an ingredient and new product concepts showcasing almond paste and chocolate almond paste from Blue Diamond. Samples included Chewy Almond Snack Bars, Bourbon Cherry & Almond Chocolate Truffles, and Almond Eclairs and Miniature Frangipane Tarts.

Four recent studies highlighted by American Pistachio Growers, Fresno, Calif. (www.AmericanPistachios.org), indicate that pistachios promote heart health, weight control, and healthy pregnancies. For example, a review of eight relevant studies published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine concluded that adding pistachios to a diet can benefit individuals with normal and high LDL cholesterol. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February 2013 focused on the cardiovascular benefits of a Mediterranean diet that’s rich in nuts and extravirgin olive oil. In the trial, the subjects in the Mediterranean diet group resulted in a relative risk reduction of approximately 30%, including a significant reduction in the risk of stroke. Another study examined the association between protein intake and gestational diabetes. A vegetable protein diet, specifically with nuts, in place of an animal protein diet, in particular red meat, was associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Teawolf, Pinebrook, N.J. (www.teawolf.com), discussed its coffee and black tea lines and introduced hibiscus concentrated extract. The company presented its wolfberry distillate in a Wolfberry Tea beverage and its 10-fold vanilla and premium dark chocolate extract in a chocolate milk (with no cocoa powder). Teawolf is an international leader in all-natural, premium botanical extracts and distillates, specifically tea, vanilla, and cocoa.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, San Mateo, Calif. (www.blueberry.org), actively promotes the consumption of blueberries, nature’s Little Blue Dynamos^®. The Council represents highbush blueberry producers. Researchers around the world are documenting the healthy goodness of blueberries with more than 50 blueberry-related scientific studies on topics like antioxidants, anti-aging, cancer, eyesight, brain function, diabetes, and more.

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Palm Oil
GreenPalm, East Yorkshire, UK (www.greenpalm.org), is a certificate trading program designed to tackle the environmental and social problems associated with the production of palm oil. Bob Norman, General Manager at GreenPalm, discussed the various options available to food manufacturers keen to address the issue of sustainable palm oil in their supply chains. Certified sustainable palm oil can be bought via several RSPO-approved supply chain options. These include segregated supplies of oil from certified producers, Mass Balance, which allows certified sustainable product to be mixed with non-certified palm oil, and  GreenPalm (Book and Claim), which pays the producer directly for sustainably produced oil regardless of where the product itself is sold. GreenPalm is an important tool in the drive to change the palm oil industry at source, instead of rewarding only those certified mills with a supply link to large corporations, according to Norman. 

Red palm oil adds a healthful new option to the oils market. SIOMA^® Red Palm Oil, Pichincha, Ecuador (www.siomaredpalmoil.com), showcased SIOMA, a nutraceutical oil consisting mainly of unsaturated fatty acids and free of trans fats. SIOMA is a major source of natural carotenes and vitamin E. The oil is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Variety
BI Nutraceuticals, Long Beach, Calif. (www.binutraceuticals.com), sampled products made from a selection of the company’s most popular functional ingredient offerings. Individuals sampled carrot juice with ginger and green tea and spicy gazpacho with Psyberloid™ psyllium fiber. BI Nutraceuticals is a global full-service supplier of dietary supplement and functional food ingredients including whole herb powders and teas, standardized and drug ratio extracts, custom blends, vitamins, minerals, drum-to-hopper custom blends, granular ingredients, and other specialty processes including timereleased and encapsulated ingredients.

Univar Inc., Redmond, Wash. (www.univar.com), showcased a new twist on old-fashioned concepts of milk and cookies. In partnership with CP Kelco, Univar offered nutrient-fortified Refreshing and Delicious Almond Milk and freshly baked Sweet Cinnsation Cookies. Both products tasted sweet, but had reduced sugar and sodium. The almond milk used various hydrocolloids to provide a smooth and creamy texture while uniformly suspending calcium to deliver as much as traditional dairy milk. The Sweet Cinnsation Cookie had nearly 50% less sodium and 25% less sugar than the average cookie and was fortified with fiber and contained all natural antioxidants.

BASF, Florham Park, N.J. (www.basf.com, www.newtrition.com), served consumers’ favorite health ingredients in a range of foods and beverages including bread with BASF’s omega-3 powder, bar bites with plant sterols for heart-healthy snacking, energy drinks with the right amount of vitamins B and E, and caffeine for a healthy boost, and body shaping beverages-on-the-go with Tonalin^® CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) in a convenient pouch. BASF’s Nutrition & Health division demonstrated how healthy and tasty can be synonymous in its “kitchen.” BASF’s newly designed, interactive booth made it easy for attendees to experience  how the company makes Newtrition™ a reality. The Newtrition brand was launched recently to better understand consumer needs and to use this knowledge in close partnership with customers to develop new, innovative solutions for the foods and beverages of tomorrow.

Nutrient premixes were showcased in freshly brewed coffee and ready-todrink tea as well as in a chocolate bar and biscotti by Fortitech Inc., now a part of DSM, Schenectady, N.Y. (www.fortitech.com). All of the samples were packed with a variety of nutrients that can either aid in the management of specific health concerns, or help fill nutrient gaps in diets due to nonstop lifestyles. The Antioxidant Gourmet Coffee was freshly brewed on site and fortified with antioxidants A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins and vitamin D-3. Nutrients such as resveratrol, CoQ10, zinc, chromium, and B-vitamins were in the RTD Peach Tea to support several aspects of healthy aging. Brain Boosting Biscotti was formulated with DHA, phosphatidylserine, choline, calcium, and vitamins A, C, E, and D-3. Relaxation Chocolate Bars were infused with a custom combination of nutrients that included GABA, magnesium, L-theanine, and L-tryptophan.

A tropical fruit smoothie highlighted Chromax^® and VitaCholine™, ingredients that may help increase cognitive function. The smoothie also featured BevGrad^® XtraThick flaxseed specifically designed to enhance the body of a beverage while delivering omega-3s and other nutritional benefits to beverage applications. Glanbia Nutritionals, Fitchburg, Wis. (www.glanbianutritionals.com), further highlighted its beverage formulation expertise by showcasing Fatigue Fighter Energy Shots, fortified with energy-boosting PepForm^® Fatigue Fighter peptides. The inclusion of BevGrad Chia provided a further natural form of energy, while CarniPure™ carnitine supported sustained energy. Bakery ingredient solutions were displayed in delicious and playful Cake Pops, which featured GanedenBC30, and for additional protein fortification, a coating containing OptiSol^® 1001. Protein Bites were made with a high-protein coating and a center fortified with Setria^® glutathione that aims to protect against toxins and oxidative stress. Glanbia Nutritionals also presented gluten-free, high omega-3 peanut butter and jelly flax bread sandwiches, showcasing flavor and hydrocolloid benefits of OptiSol 5000 functional flaxseed in bread, Setria, and the benefits of BevGrad flaxseed for omega-3 delivery in the peanut butter.

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Clarity Energy premix and Wellness antioxidant and immunity premix were showcased by Watson Inc., West Haven, Conn. (www.watson-inc.com). The Clarity premix provided optimal mental focus, as it contained choline and vitamin B-5 that combine to form a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. The B vitamins in the premix convert carbohydrates from the agave syrup into energy, and since the energy is released slowly, energy is maintained for a longer period of time. The Wellness premix combined an immunity boost and antioxidant effects into one beverage. Vitamins C and E and selenium enhanced beta-carotene for protection against free radical damage. Vitamins C and D, zinc, and lysine in the premix act to strengthen the immune system. Watson used betaClear™, an ingredient that allows beverages infused with beta-carotene to have a clear appearance. Clear-E™ was used for vitamin E infused beverages where the solution remains clear as well.

DSM, Parsippany, N.J. (www.dsm.com), combined health and indulgence and showcased its complete line of food and nutritional solutions. Thanks to the recently combined capabilities of DSM and Fortitech, DSM promoted its new leadership position in custom nutrient premixes, in conjunction with Fortitech. DSM Nutritional Products discussed innovative nutritional ingredients to “guard your heart” such as Fruitflow^®, a natural tomato concentrate that helps support healthy circulation, and OatWell^®, an oat betaglucan with clinically proven health benefits in cholesterol reduction. DSM also has the industry’s broadest spectrum of omega-3 solutions to meet the needs of nearly every food and beverage application. The company now offers two sources with two solutions: life’sDHA™, a vegetarian, algal source of DHA omega-3, and MEG-3^®, the most trusted omega-3 fish source.

Cargill, Minneapolis, Minn. (www.cargill.com), developed great-tasting, kid-friendly foods and beverages that contained less sodium, sugar, and fat and more whole grains, fiber, and protein in accordance with specific childhood nutrition standards. Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies featured Horizon Milling® WheatSelect^® white spring whole wheat flour, Clear Valley^® shortening, Truvia^® stevia leaf extract, and Oliggo-Fiber^® chicory root fiber. They were a great-tasting treat that meets the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI) standards for grain items, with 10 g of whole grain per serving and a good source of fiber. Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Bars featured MaizeWise^® whole grain corn and Oliggo-Fiber. They offered 11 g of whole grain and 5 g of protein per serving. Sour Tropical Punch Snack Puffs featured MaizeWise whole grain corn flour while Peanut Butter Spread featured Oliggo-Fiber and met CFBAI standards for nut butters and spreads. Reduced Sodium Sausage Pizza Poppers made with whole grain featured FlakeSelect^® potassium chloride, Prolia^® soy flour, and Horizon Milling WheatSelect white spring whole wheat flour. The poppers met CFBAI standards for mixed dishes and contained 40% less sodium per serving than regular sausage pizza and 22 g of whole grain. Apple Berry Sparkling Juice Drink and Reduced Sugar Chocolate Milk both featured Truvia^® stevia leaf extract.

Pharmachem Laboratories, Kearny, N.J. (www.pharmachemlabs.com), is an international innovator, manufacturer, and supplier of high quality ingredients. From manufacturing standardized extracts and custom ingredients to developing original solutions for process problems, Pharmachem’s sophisticated technologies offer unique options for its customers’ extraordinary ingredients. Offerings include amino acids, dairy ingredients, non-GMO ingredients, and probiotics.

Linda Milo Ohr is Contributing Editor,
Food Technology magazine
([email protected]).