Natural Prebiotic Fiber

NutraFlora[r] short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS[r]), a natural prebiotic fiber offered by GTC Nutrition, is uniquely capable of promoting health by improving the absorption of calcium, magnesium and soy isoflavones, and maintaining healthy digestive function and immune response. NutraFlora also provides many positive functional benefits including adding fiber, enriching flavors, improving moistness, lowering carbohydrate content and increasing product shelflife. GTC Nutrition, Trina O'Brien, 303-216-2489, ext. 227, www.gtcnutrition.com

Nanotech Nutrition

Unique technology helps in the delivery of nutrients and drugs. The award-winning nanotechnology company NutraLease[tm] Ltd. has developed a method for producing self-assembled liquid particles small enough to pass through cell membranes, increasing bioavailability of phytonutrients. P.L. Thomas is the exclusive representative of NutraLease Ltd. in North America. P.L. Thomas, paulan@plthomas.com

Right Texture

A new line of hydrocolloid systems for food processing provides improved stability and enhanced shelflife without sacrificing texture and mouthfeel. TextureRite[tm] systems are specifically designed for food products such as dressings and sauces, marinades and dips, beverages and bakery products to maintain freeze-thaw stability as well as control moisture. Ingredients Solutions Inc., 800-628-3166, info@isinc.to

Fair Trade Java

Coffee flavors by Ben & Jerry's are the first in the U.S. to use ingredients that are Fair Trade Certified. Coffee Extracts & Ingredients offers manufacturers high-quality extracts for use in cold coffee drinks, baked goods, alcoholic beverages and confectioneries, while providing support for fair trade practices which increase the standard of living for coffee farmers and their families. Coffee Extracts & Ingredients, Michael Page, 802-865-4480, mpage@coffee-ent.com

Superior Spuds Starch

A GMO-free amylopectic potato starch with unique functionality is now available. ELIANE[tm] Food Starch from AVEBE Food possesses superior features for use in applications where potato starch has not previously been used. Containing more than 99% amylopectin, ELIANE imparts to food preparations a creamy texture and shiny appearance, making it excellent for use in fruit fillings, creams, sauces and other liquid products. AVEBE Food, Vincent Lamberti, food.avebe.com

Is Your Salt Real?

Only Mother Nature could create truly unique, incredible-tasting salt. RealSalt is an award-winning sea salt mined from an ancient seabed in central Utah. Compared to RealSalt, regular table salts appear stark white because they have undergone harsh bleaching and refining. By contrast, RealSalt is extracted from deep within the earth, crushed and screened without any bleaching or refining. RealSalt's unique pinkish appearance and flecks of color come from more than 50 natural trace minerals, including iodine. RealSalt is ideal for use as an ingredient; available in powder, granular, kosher and coarse grinds. Redmond RealSalt, Nate Lord, 800-367-7258, ext. 122, NateL@realsalt.com, www.realsalt.com

Iron Chefs

Two well-known chefs of Asian cuisine demonstrated Future Food applications at the IFT Expo in New Orleans. Chef Lawrence C.C. Chu of Chef Chu's, and Chef Khai Duong of Ana Mandara participated in Kikkoman's showcase of new and developing flavor products. Kikkoman also debuted their new product guide, The Flavor Handbook: A Reference and Product Guide. Kikkoman International Inc., 415-956-7750, www.kikkoman-usa.com

Cholesterol Concerns

High cholesterol tops the list of men's health concerns, beating out arthritis/joint disease, skin problems and impotence. A recent study indicates 77% of men surveyed list high cholesterol as their major health concern. Women in the study listed high cholesterol as second most important, after arthritis and joint disease. OatVantage, from Nurture Inc., reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in tests and also provides other cardiovascular benefits, including managing blood sugar and decreasing appetite. Nurture Inc., www.oatvantage.com, www.nurture-inc.com