Color it Caramel

Sethness Products Company has introduced its newest Class 1 Powdered Caramel Color. The commercially available SB116 is a label-friendly powder that can improve the visual appeal of baked goods, cereals, dry blends, meat rubs and seasonings, says the company. SB116 is produced from non-genetically modified sucrose, making it ideal for products sold in Europe. SB116 is the 11th Class I Caramel Color in the Sethness portfolio. Class I, or Plain Caramel Colors, have become the fastest-growing segment in the caramel color industry, as they meet consumer demand for cleaner labels. Sethness Products Company, 847-329-2080, www.sethness.com

Versatile Rice Bran

CJ CheilJedang Corp. (CJ), South Korea, in conjunction with Beidahuang, have announced the availability of RiPro80 rice bran protein and Riber50 rice bran fiber. RiPro80 is a versatile, naturally vegan protein in powder form that can be used for a variety of food and beverage applications; it is not only hypoallergenic and gluten-free, but also contains no cholesterol or GMOs. A well-balanced and complete protein, RiPro80 features all nine essential amino acids and is highly digestible, making it an ideal ingredient for natural and health foods. Riber50 is a natural dietary fiber extracted from rice bran that is both non-GMO and hypo-allergenic. Composed of mostly insoluble fibers, it is rich in minerals, including magnesium and phosphorus, giving it multifunctionality. CJ CheilJedang Corp., english.cj.net

Consistent Calcium Fortification

Cal-Sistentô, from ICL Performance Products LP, helps formulators to fortify beverages, dairy and confectionery foods with calcium--without altering the key characteristics of consumers' favorite foods and beverages. "Cal-Sistent's small particle size is ideal for products with a well-established taste or mouthfeel. We've developed a unique manufacturing process that ensures a consistent, small particle size that isn't easily detectable and does not affect the flavor," says Nadeen Myers, ICL Performance Products' MTS rep-food phosphate specialist. With a calcium content of 38%, Cal-Sistent delivers calcium-to-phosphorus ratios equivalent to those found in human bones. The calcium and phosphorus work synergistically to help prevent osteoporosis, a key health concern for many Americans, especially women. ICL Performance Products LP, 800-244-6169, www.icl-perfproductslp.com

Eyes Here

OmniActive Health Technologies' Lutemax 2020 ingredient has successfully achieved self-affirmed GRAS status and is safe for use in a range of food and beverage applications. Lutemax 2020 delivers the only complete source of both lutein and zeaxanthin isomers, in significantly higher concentrations, for convenient and more beneficial nutrient availability, according to the company. While lutein is a potent antioxidant that provides a significant amount of the total carotenoid content of the eye, healthy eyes require more than just lutein alone. Two other necessary carotenoids are zeaxanthin isomers, 3R, 3'R zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin, critical players in fighting the natural effects of aging and in supplying the macula with vital, protective nutrients. Together, lutein, 3R, 3'R zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin protect and support the macula of the eye for overall eye health. OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd., www.omniactives.com, www.lutemax2020.com

Grilling with Style and Flavor

Symrise North America now offers sophisticated versions of exotic, ethnic and regional American themes. The new grilling sauces have year-round appeal for consumers looking for enticing and novel tastes in meat, seafood and vegetables, according to the company. The new product development concepts are claimed to address consumer interests in tastes that go far beyond traditional grilling flavors. The Savory Business Unit has focused on three types of popular grilling products--marinades and table sauces, mop sauces and premium finishing oils. Symrise, 201-462-2389, www.symrise.com

Flavor Trends in 2011

Editors' Note: The following flavor trend predictions for 2011 offer three unique looks at key trends, tastes and flavor inspirations, as compiled by three different companies.

Healthy and Exotic Flavors. Sensient Flavors has announced its flavor trend predictions for 2011. The list was developed using Sensient's proprietary trend framework, which filters trends from the broad, macro level down to the flavors themselves and encompasses flavors inspired from multiple macro trends, including health and wellness, sensory and personalization. The trend predictions include aguaji, berbere, borojo, Ceylon cinnamon, cherimoya, grains of paradise, hibiscus, pandan, yacon and yumberry. Sensient Flavors LLC, 800-445-0073, flavors@sensient-tech.com

Vision of Flavors. Comax Flavors' "FlavorVision" for 2011 is a culmination of FlavorLab predictions and culinary trend-exchange data gathered all year long. This year, the focus is on three distinct, innovative flavor groups:  those that give consumers irresistible motivation to try something different; those that offer an invitation to explore new cuisines with provocative flavor combinations; and those that spark pleasant, comforting memories. The latter includes such flavors as pumpkin pie and gingerbread, and is termed "Homespun" by the FlavorLab. "Soft Exotics" represent familiar flavors, but those that are presented with a unique twist, such as young coconut or orange caramel. The "Take-me-away" flavors give the consumer permission to explore new territories with flavors such as Manila mango, Seville orange or Chinese five-spice. Comax Flavors, www.comaxflavors.com

Forecast for Favorable Pairings. America's preference for more complex and intense taste experiences is a dynamic reflection of a new flavor confidence, says McCormick & Company Inc. The McCormickÆ Flavor Forecast 2011 identifies leading culinary trends that will shape the way consumers eat in the year ahead and beyond. One of the leading trends in this year's report is craveable contrasts, which comes to life in 10 flavor pairings. These include: fennel and peri-peri sauce; pickling spice and rice vinegar; roasted curry powder and wild mushroom; caramelized honey and adzuki red beans; ancho chile pepper and hibiscus; thyme and stone fruits; mustard seed and vermouth; cilantro and nut butters; herbes de Provence and popcorn; and green peppercorn and goat's milk. McCormick & Company Inc., www.FlavorForecast.com

Promising Study

Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting a new study to evaluate the effects of GanedenBC30 on individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Two previous trials demonstrated that GanedenBC30 was safe and effective in IBS, and preliminary data also show that GanedenBC30 modulates certain neurotransmitters. Ganeden Biotech, www.digestiveadvantage.com

Whey Protein Clarity  

Grande Custom Ingredients Group has introduced Grande Ultra Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), a unique whey protein isolate designed for beverage applications requiring complete product clarity and a clean flavor. Grande Ultra WPI is produced using new, patent-pending processes that create a product with lower astringency, neutral flavor and clarity, says the company. The new product is a whey protein source with essential amino acids and is a fat-free and lactose-free ingredient for beverage manufacturers. The Grande system includes a strict chain of custody that extends from the Grade A dairy farm through the production of natural white Italian cheese and Grade A whey proteins. Grande Custom Ingredients Group, 920-269-7200, www.grandecig.com

Help for the Immune System

Biothera's Wellmune WGP, a natural food and supplement ingredient that activates the body's immune defenses, significantly reduced the duration of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms in a healthy population of medical students during the peak of the cold-flu season, claims the company. During a 90-day study involving 100 fourth-year medical students of the Southampton University Medical School, there were 24 medically confirmed URTI cases equally divided between the study groups. Participants taking Wellmune WGP daily reported 43 fewer days of symptoms than their classmates who received a placebo. Biothera, the Immune Health Company, 651-675-0300, www.biothera.com  pf