A Bountiful Array of Beneficial Ingredients

The following information about innovative ingredients in the nutraceuticals area has been provided by supplier companies and has been edited for content, clarity, and space.

MANY CONSUMERS TODAY approach their health and wellness goals holistically, including choosing foods and beverages that may deliver physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Consumers are also making the connection that the health of their gut microbiome is an essential piece of the larger health and wellness puzzle, driving interest in functional ingredients that impact gut health.

ADM delivers tomorrow’s advanced microbiome solutions today with a portfolio of probiotics and postbiotics that are anchored in research across a wide range of health and wellness conditions, from metabolic health to immune and digestive systems. ADM’s new proprietary heat-treated BPL1 postbiotic, an advancement in microbiome science, enables food and beverage manufacturers to add this in-demand functionality to a wide variety of applications that require high-heat processing, including baked goods, snacks, and beverages. The heat-treated BPL1 postbiotic is the world’s first postbiotic targeting visceral fat reduction, healthy weight, and metabolic health.

During these unprecedented circumstances of 2020, ADM is reminded that collaboration and teamwork are essential to its business and make it possible for ADM to rise above the challenge and continue to provide unmatched expertise and resources to help its customers navigate uncertain times. While interacting face-to-face with its customers and partners is missed, ADM remains committed to connecting with the food science community to share, learn, and inspire the future of food. ADM, adm.com

HIGH ABSORPTION PEA protein and alginates are featured in Booty Bars protein brownie bite product concepts that have a smooth, chewy, moist texture. Earlier this year, AIDP announced three new pea protein ingredients under the Peasipro brand. Peasipro Creamy provides a smooth, creamy taste profile in a fine mesh, with no grit or heavy sediment. Peasipro Sol’N is a highly dispersible pea protein ideal for all beverage types, and Peasipro TX is a textured protein with high absorption, making it an excellent choice for meat alternatives, bars, and baked goods.

The company also announced that its VegD3 is now organic. VegD3 is a pure plant-based vitamin D3 that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for animal-sourced vitamin D3. Derived from a sustainable algae source, the ingredient offers superior purity and quality to lanolin vitamin D3. Other ingredient offerings include NuBana Green Banana Flour, a fruit-based ingredient that is naturally rich in resistant dietary starch; TigerNut, a combination of insoluble fiber and resistant starch, and a source of vegetable proteins and antioxidants with a prebiotic effect; and PreticX, a nondigestible xylooligosacharide that has been shown to support the reconditioning of the gut and healthy metabolic functions. AIDP, aidp.com

A FIVE-POINT pollinator protection plan was launched this past January by the California almond community. A collection of initiatives aimed at protecting bees during almond bloom and beyond, the plan reaffirms the industry’s commitment to researching, protecting, and improving the health of honeybees. The Pollinator Protection Plan marks the start of a new partnership between the Almond Board of California (ABC) and The Pollinator Partnership, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated exclusively to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems. The partnership’s goal is to educate and expand the number of certified “bee friendly” almond farmers who provide a habitat for pollinators on their farms.

Another aspect of the plan involves ABC supporting the development and launch of BeeWhere, a digital mapping tool that lets beekeepers mark hive locations to help farmers adapt practices to protect honeybees. Working with bee research organization Project Apis m. and others, ABC is also encouraging farmers to plant bee pastures and hedgerows as additional food sources for all pollinators, including native bees. To date, ABC has supported 125 research projects to address the major factors impacting honeybee health, and this year alone it has funded five new studies with leading bee experts across the United States.

Regarding COVID-19, the California almond industry is working to keep stores and pantries stocked to meet the increased demand for healthy, shelf-stable almonds and almond products. As the industry continues to produce food, the California almond industry is also focused on protecting the health of its families and employees by following the guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many of which are already the basis for the almond industry’s Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has clearly stated that COVID-19 is not a food safety risk, almond processors continue to implement enhanced employee and facility sanitation practices to ensure food safety. Almond Board of California, almonds.com, almonds.com/bees

MCT OILS AND oil powders from AMPAK are not genetically modified and possess many characteristics that appeal to consumers, such as being easily digestible and having a neutral taste and smell. In addition, MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) have been linked to certain potential health benefits, making them a desirable ingredient for a wide range of products. MCT ingredients are extremely functional in meal replacement shakes, sports shakes, powdered beverages, snack foods, and many other applications.

Additionally, 50% MCT oil powders and 70% MCT oil powders are produced using MCT oil (coconut and palm) that is not genetically modified. Coconut-derived organic MCTs are also available. AMPAK imports its MCT palm oils from manufacturers that are RSPO Certified for palm-derived products. The supply chain is monitored by independent, RSPO-accredited auditors. AMPAK Company, ampakcompany.com

HEMP-DERIVED INGREDIENTS and a coffee protein ingredient bring nutrition to foods and beverages. Inside every hemp seed is a valuable inner core, called the hemp heart. The nutrients within it are the proprietary source for a new protein ingredient. V-70 Hemp Heart Protein is 70% protein, complete with all nine essential amino acids and omega-3s, and it has a neutral flavor and nearly white color. V-ONE Hemp Heart Oil comes from pressing non-genetically modified North American-grown hemp seed hearts. It retains a balanced ratio of omega-6: omega-3 fatty acids. Abundant in other micronutrients like vitamin E and oil-soluble bioactives like beta-sitosterol, V-ONE Hemp Heart Oil can be a wonderful complement when formulated in salad dressings, spreads, and dips. With GRAS determination, AFS Hemp Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract contains 0.0% THC, but still possesses the active CBD plus a “broad-spectrum” of other phytocannabinoids.

Another new ingredient, CoffeeProtein Green Coffee Bean Protein, is considered a “whole food protein,” as opposed to an isolate, which means it provides other valuable phytonutrients like antioxidants and fiber. With a smooth texture, complementary nutritional value, and built-in consumer familiarity with coffee, this protein will make products even more enticing. Applied Food Sciences, appliedfoods.com

AN ALTERNATIVE TO sucrose, Palatinose from BENEO is a slow-release carbohydrate that is naturally sourced and provides energy for bodies to function. Its balanced and prolonged energy supply imparts a low blood-sugar response, with a lower insulin release compared with sucrose. Palatinose meets consumers’ demands for alternative carbohydrates as recently shown in a consumer survey conducted by the market research company Wizer for BENEO. According to the results, two-thirds of the respondents indicated that an ideal carbohydrate should be naturally sourced, deliver energy, and eliminate high glycemic sugar crashes. The study also showed that every second female and every third male in the United States is concerned about tiredness and a lack of energy. Additionally, one in three respondents said they avoid sugar because they fear negative effects on their blood sugar levels. Derived from sugar beets, Palatinose is GRAS and has unique metabolic benefits in that it induces a low and steady blood glucose response, which delivers a more balanced supply of energy and contributes to fat burning. BENEO, beneo.com

GLOBAL DEMAND FOR protein is expected to increase by more than 70% over the next 30 years, suggesting opportunities for alternative protein products that complement traditional animal protein options. However, for plant-based meat alternatives to achieve mainstream appeal, they will need to mirror meat’s distinct sensory and textural attributes, while also reflecting today’s label-conscious marketplace. Cargill understands these challenges and has a broad portfolio of plant proteins, texturizers, fats and oils, and sodium reduction solutions to support brands’ formulation needs.

Prosante textured soy protein and PURIS pea proteins provide a solid foundation for product developers, while SimPure native starches and plant-sourced hydrocolloids can address critical textural issues, such as gel formation and water retention. To replicate meat’s succulence and lubricity, brands can tap into Cargill’s extensive portfolio of fats and oils, which includes Clear Valley High Oleic Sunflower Oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and more. Cargill even has solutions to keep sodium levels in check for an improved nutritional profile. The company’s Potassium Pro Potassium Chloride ingredients, which are already used in the processed meat industry, can help brands achieve their sodium reduction goals. Cargill, cargill.com

AS COVID-19 PUTS a spotlight on consumers’ health, Comet Bio is concentrating on how its ingredients can help. Nutrition plays a significant role in disease prevention and immunity. For instance, 70% of the body’s immune system is in the gut microbiome, and imbalances in the microbiota may disrupt the normal functioning of immune responses. The prebiotic dietary fiber Arrabina, an arabinoxylan plant fiber extract, promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can help consumers maintain a healthy microbiome and support immunity.

During these unprecedented times, Comet Bio’s mission to provide nutritious, sustainable, and high-quality ingredients for its customers remains unaltered. It can be a challenging time for startups like Comet Bio, given the economic uncertainty in this pandemic. Fortunately, the nutrition and food industries are less vulnerable to this market instability than the foodservice, hospitality, and other sectors. Comet Bio is in a good position with a fully funded business plan, a history of prudent financial management, and the support of its investors to continue growth. Comet Bio, comet-bio.com

SEVERAL PLANT-BASED NUTRITION solutions are available from COSUCRA, including PISANE M9 pea protein, SWELITE C pea cell-wall fiber and NASTAR native pea starch for meat/plant-based meat, and PISANE C9 pea protein and NASTAR native pea starch for dairy/plant-based dairy sectors. COSUCRA Inc. is the North American subsidiary of COSUCRA Groupe Warcoing, which has been manufacturing naturally grown specialty food ingredients since 1852, with a current focus on yellow peas and chicory root. With its technological, sustainability, and farm-to-fork traceability leadership positions, COSUCRA is well positioned for the future, which will likely include ever-increasing consumer demand for plant-based nutrition. The company has also invested resources to increase the capacity of pea protein, pea cell-wall fiber, and native and instant pea starches. COSUCRA Inc., cosucra.com

AN EXCLUSIVE STRAIN of Bacillus subtilis, DE111, from Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes is designed to boost the health benefits of foods and beverages. Because DE111 remains viable under a wide range of temperatures and pH levels, the probiotic is able to withstand the processing conditions of foods and beverages. The strain is GRAS with a no-objection letter from the U.S. Dept. of Food and Agriculture, non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, and Health Canada approved. It is supported by multiple human clinical studies for its benefits to digestive and immune health and sports nutrition. Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, deerland.com

A LINE OF non-fried legume-based snacks called Impulses is available from Faravelli. Crunchy pulses and seeds feature a great nutritional profile, providing a balanced dosage of proteins, carbohydrates, fats (the majority of which are unsaturated), fiber, and vitamins and minerals (iron, zinc, phosphorous, folate, and B vitamins). The industrial process used to produce them is natural, involving the use of water and thermal energy. Hence, the nutritional values are amplified, and the proteins are more readily available and absorbed. The process also results in a very pleasant, lightly roasted flavor, making them distinguishable and tasty. Impulses are particularly suitable for bakery products, nutritional bars, breakfast mixes, or as delicious additions to salads. The Impulses line includes lentils, yellow peas, green peas, and chickpeas, to be used as they are or to add in predefined mixes. Faravelli, faravelli.us

A READY-TO-USE formulation with magnesium citrate allows for daily magnesium intake in a comfortable and easy manner. Gado-Go provides direct-to-mouth formulation for the Recommended Daily Intake of magnesium. It dissolves within seconds with water and has a pleasant strawberry flavor. Magnesium, an essential mineral primarily found in the bones and muscle cells, contributes to several functions in the human body.

Chewable zinc citrate provides zinc and vitamin C in a high bioavailable form. Zinc contributes to enzyme regulation and the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin C is important for the immune system to function, release energy, and reduce fatigue, which can be depleted from the body during cold and flu season. Gadot Biochemical Industries, gadotbio.com

COLLAGEN PEPTIDES ARE on trend because they are pure proteins that can boost nutritional profiles, contribute to clean labeling, and feature no allergenic potential. Collagen is considered one of the most versatile and important ingredients in the modern health and nutrition markets, including functional foods. GELITA Bioactive Collagen Peptides can boost hybrid ready-to-drink products or functional foods. For proactive health benefits, add these specialized collagen peptides: VERISOL for beauty from within; FORTIBONE for bone health; FORTIGEL for improving mobility; TENDOFORTE for tendons and joints; and BODYBALANCE for body toning. GELITA, gelita.com

WITH MILK FLYING off the shelves at grocery stores across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, International Food Products Corp. (IFPC) is working tirelessly to keep up with the demand of its vitamin ingredients that its dairy partners increasingly need. But milk is not the only application in which the company’s customers use its line of vitamins. Because IFPC formulates water-dispersible vitamins, oil-based vitamins, and custom-formulated vitamin pre-blends, the applications are vast. To ensure the highest quality standards in the formulation of vitamins, IFPC manufactures them in a state-of-the-art Safe Quality Foods (SQF) Certified facility. They can be used to make Grade A, non-genetically modified, and organic products and are kosher, based on customers’ needs. International Food Products Corp., ifpc.com

A SHORT CHAIN fructooligosaccharide called GOFOS is a soluble prebiotic fiber that stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria to promote healthy digestive and immune functions. The Ingredient House has an exclusive partnership with Galam to offer GOFOS. With its low glycemic response and low caloric value, GOFOS is 30% as sweet as sugar and provides a clean, sweet taste. It has a synergistic effect with other sweeteners and helps mask the off-taste of intense sweeteners. Short-chain fructooligosaccharides are naturally found in small amounts in various fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, onions, garlic, and asparagus. GOFOS can be used for many applications, including breakfast cereal, chocolate, bars, bakery, dairy and nondairy, and ice cream. The Ingredient House, theingredienthouse.com

A PARTIALLY DEFATTED flaxseed powder from InterFiber offers a minimum of 35% dietary fiber and approximately 35% protein. Super Flaxseed FL holds moisture very well, which extends the feeling of freshness of the food product in which it is used. It brings an added value to the application since it enhances its physicochemical and organoleptic properties. When added to liquid, Super Flaxseed FL forms a gel-like substance. Finally, due to its binding properties, it supports emulsion forming. InterFiber is a fiber manufacturer that offers fibers and fiber-like ingredients derived from different raw materials of the highest quality. InterFiber, interfiber.com

AN OAT BRAN fiber ingredient with a high beta-glucan concentration (34%) consists of only soluble fibers. PromOat is extracted from oats without the use of chemicals and has multiple health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, balancing blood sugar, and improving gastrointestinal health. Recently, PromOat Gluten-free was launched to meet the growing demand from the market. PrOatein oat protein is a unique concentrated oat protein with neutral taste and color and is ideal for increasing protein content in a wide range of products aimed at the vegetarian/vegan market. Lantmännen, lantmannen.com

A SUSTAINABILITY REPORT recently released by Martin Bauer Group provides a summary of the organization’s effort to preserve critical natural resources (www.martin-bauer-group.com/sustainability/report). The report predicts an environment of vast uncertainty and signals the company’s dedication to concrete steps for the betterment of the environment, its communities, and the industry at large. The report also presents the organization’s sustainability strategy and long-term goals to allow its direct and indirect stakeholders an opportunity to follow suit in initiating efforts toward global impact. Martin Bauer Group sources more than 200 botanical ingredients from more than 80 countries through supply chains that employ more than 300,000 people. The company can help add functionality and value to food and beverage products with ingredients ranging from plant-based proteins to fruit and vegetable powders. The company conducts extensive species identification and quality testing on every ingredient so manufacturers can be assured of high quality, safe ingredients. Martin Bauer Group, martin-bauer-group.com

FOUR NEW PLANT protein ingredients made from water lentils have the same allergen-free, sustainable, and non-GMO claim as the current LENTEIN Complete. Positive industry feedback encouraged Parabel to extend the ingredient range with versions that have higher protein densities and that are neutral colored. The new ingredients are a protein concentrate, protein isolate, and peptides, and they are available in both green and neutral-colored versions. They have a complete and balanced amino acid profile and a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 0.98.

LENTEIN Protein Isolate is a beige protein powder with more than 90% protein density and great foaming and fat holding capacities. LENTEIN Peptides have been successfully formulated into a milk base where the ingredient was 100% soluble. The peptides have an amino acid (AA) score of 1.0 and contain large amounts of plant-based vitamin B12. LENTEIN Protein Concentrate is a green protein with more than 65% protein density and an AA score of 1.0. Finally, the company mentions that its LENTEIN Botanicals contain high levels of omega-3, chlorophyll, polyphenols, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Parabel, parabel.com

NEW VITAMIN-INFUSED fruit shapes will help food manufacturers meet the rising demand for snacks and confectionery that contain natural, nutritional, and functional ingredients. The new range includes assorted pure fruit shapes and freeze-dried granulates that are fortified with a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and extracts to support health and well-being. “We have worked hard to develop a range of fruit-first inclusions and gums that, unlike many other vitamin snacks and medicated confectionery, are high in fruit, vitamin, and mineral content, but low in sugar,” says Kurt Jahncke, CEO of Paradise Fruits, in a company press release. Earlier this year, Paradise Fruits, which is behind four innovative fruit and vegetable processing businesses, also launched a range of high-fiber fruit-based granulates, pastes, drops, and shapes, which provide less than 40% sugar (naturally occurring) than standard fruit ingredients and almost 40 g of fiber per 100 g. Paradise Fruits by Jahncke, paradisefruits.co.uk

CELEBRATING ITS 25TH anniversary, PAT Vitamins continues to offer diverse ingredients to the nutritional, personal care, feed, food, and beverage industries. The company’s high-quality raw ingredients include a complete line of vitamins, amino acids, probiotics, and other specialty ingredients. Over the past 20 years, PAT Vitamins has established close relationships with its original manufacturers. The company continues to work with many of them, including CSPC Weisheng Shijiazhuang Pharmaceutical, Xinfa Pharmaceutical, Zhejiang Garden Biochemical High-Tech Stock, Jiangsu CONAT Biological Products, and Xiamen Kingdomway Company. PAT Vitamins, patvitamins.com

EARLIER THIS YEAR, PLT Health Solutions received a license from the Natural Health Products Directorate of Health Canada to market its Earthlight Whole Food Vitamin D to support immune health, bone health, and growth and development in healthy adults, children, and infants. Earthlight Whole Food Vitamin D, a powder made from mushrooms, delivers 1,000 micrograms of vitamin D in a single gram.

PLT also launched a water-dispersible form of its Slendacor Weight Management Complex ingredient, Slendacor WD. The ingredient’s patented approach to weight management support works at multiple levels by inhibiting the accumulation of fat in fat cells and enhancing the body’s ability to break down fat.

Another development is a new formulation of Zynamite that can improve sports performance in as little as one hour from a single dose. Called Zynamite PX, the new ingredient is a patent-pending synergistic combination of a Mangifera indica extract and Sophora japonica extract (standardized to 50% quercetin) that has been shown to improve peak power output while reducing lactate buildup and speed recovery from long, intense workouts. PLT Health Solutions, plthealth.com

CBD IS NEW to the ingredient portfolio of Van Drunen Farms and its sister company, FutureCeuticals. Both have partnered with Folium Biosciences, a vertically integrated CBD manufacturer to offer a 0.0% THC CBD. Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil is produced through an innovative CO2 extraction and purification process. Van Drunen Farms/FutureCeuticals is the exclusive distributor for Folium ingredients. The teams will work together to further substantiate the benefits of CBD, from seed to shelf. From Broad Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil to water-soluble technologies to finished CBD products, Folium Biosciences’s ingredients drive innovation in a wide array of applications. This partnership gives customers of Van Drunen Farms/FutureCeuticals access to high-quality CBD ingredients and begins the process of scientifically defining the future of CBD in food and supplement markets. Van Drunen Farms/FutureCeuticals, vandrunenfarms.com, futureceuticals.com

NON-GENETICALLY MODIFIED, kosher, and halal ingredients from Wilmar Nutrition include vitamin E tocopherols, soy protein, sunflower lecithin, medium-chain triglycerides, and more. These ingredients have applications in the food industry. With plants spanning across the globe and the ability to supply its patrons directly, Wilmar can help with a constant supply of ingredients, particularly in these challenging times. Wilmar Nutrition, wilmarnutrition.com

FOR A CLEAN, green, and appealing omega fatty acid-rich ingredient solution, there’s Ahiflower Oil from The Wright Group. It is a rich source of omega-3 stearidonic acid, a good source of omega-6 gamma linolenic acid, and a good source of alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid. It also has an omega 3:omega 6 ratio of around 4:1. The Wright Group offers premixes and ingredients that meet or exceed the performance expectations of the customer as well as nutrient systems and ingredients that are specifically engineered to maximize the performance of the final product. The Wright Group, thewrightgroup.net