In this issue of Prepared Foods' E-dition:

* PF Exclusive: Growth in Functional * Cooking & Cocoa Flavanols * Cracker from Peanut Flour * Margarines in Baking * Examining Oil Blends

* Oils in Cookies * Expectations for 2010 * Beetroot for Stamina * Popcorn, A Cancer Fighter? * Pom Juice & Diabetes

Prepared Foods Exclusive: Growth in Functional Foods fortified with nutritional and disease-preventing qualities are invigorating the U.S. food industry. Health-conscious consumers are driving the demand for products that aim to promote better health, increase longevity and prevent the onset of chronic diseases. Previous PF E-dition Exclusives: Prepared Foods Exclusive: A Drinks Guide Spices--Ginger Embracing the Digestive Health Movement

Cooking's Effects on Cocoa Flavanols An appropriate leavening agent to moderate cake pH to approximately 7.25 or less results in both good leavening and preservation of cocoa flavanols and procyanidins. Cracker from Peanut Flour A cracker made with peanut flour is a promising consumer product with enhanced nutrition. Margarines in Baking Margarines present different physical properties with respect to their purposed application but also highlight changes that appear due to the absence of trans-fatty acids in the formulations. Examining Oil Blends Blends of canola oil (CO) and fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil (FHCSO) were interesterified under the following conditions: 0.4% sodium methoxide, 500 rpm stirring, 100C, 20 minutes. Finding Ascorbic Acid Grape fruit, malta, mosami, sweetlemon, and other juices were found to be very rich in ascorbic acid. Oils in Cookies The effects of non-interesterified (non-in-es) and chemically interesterified (in-es) cottonseed oil (CO), palm oil (PO) and CO:PO blend and brewer's spent grain on quality of cookies were studied. Treating Ground Beef Up to 20% fat had no effect on the quality change of irradiated ground beef if ascorbic acid + a-tocopherol was added. Trying a Tea to Prevent Diabetes A study sought to find a tea polysaccharide with the best potential for curing diabetes. Return to top Expectations for 2010 Senior executives in the food and beverage industry are optimistic they will see improved revenue, profitability and a better jobs picture in 2010.

* * * * * From Prepared Foods Benefiting Beverages Sweet Cravings Regional American Sauces * * * * *

Heart Group Wants Sugar Limit The American Heart Association has issued guidelines that say most women should consume no more then six teaspoons of added sugar daily and most men no more than nine teaspoons. Private Label Possibilities Once seen as knock-offs of "name brands," private label products have become increasingly more accepted by consumers, as quality has increased and retailers have expanded their offerings of private label goods. When Healthy is Unaffordable Technomic has found that the recession is adversely affecting consumers' healthy eating behavior. Return to top Beetroot for Stamina Drinking beetroot juice boosts your stamina and could help you exercise for up to 16% longer. Popcorn, A Cancer Fighter? Scientists discovered the snack food contains "surprisingly large" levels of health-boosting antioxidants called polyphenols. Choline & A Reduction in Birth Defects Higher levels of total blood choline are associated with a 2.5-fold reduction in risk for neural tube birth defects. Cranberry Juice Not a UTI Treatment Experts have expressed doubts over the use of cranberry juice as a preventative against urinary tract infections. Apples to Avoid Kidney Stones Researchers have found another reason to eat well: a healthy diet helps prevent kidney stones. Mouse Study: Pom Juice Consumption & Diabetes POMo intake was associated with an improvement in insulin sensitivity, suggesting that risk of developing type 2 diabetes may have been reduced. Return to top