Soy for Kids

Solbar's family of soy isolates, functional soy protein concentrates and textured soy concentrates is available to meet USDA-FNS regulations for use in children's nutrition programs. This is one in a series of developments initiated by Solbar in 2006 to make an important value proposition to the U.S. market. By sourcing non-GMO IP soybeans, grown in the U.S., critical factors such as white color, bland flavor and improved functionalities are being benchmarked by Solbar technologists with a keen eye to North American customers. Solbar USA Inc., Greg Kesel, 847-459-1400, solbarusa@ solbar.com, www.solbar.com

Irresistibly Good

Drop delicious sliced almonds in a cup of corn flakes. Add toasted slivered almonds to chicken salad. Plunk toasted diced almonds into frozen yogurt with chocolate sauce. Three irresistible meal choices, with the end result being 100% of the vitamin E daily intake goal. Almonds can play an important role in weight control, lower total cholesterol and significantly lower the risk of heart disease. And they taste fabulous. Blue Diamond brand almonds are an irresistibly good ingredient for food products. Blue Diamond Growers, John Wagaman, jwagaman@bdgrowers.com, www.bluediamond.com

Nutritional Blends

Fortitech premixes integrate functional ingredients from a comprehensive selection of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleotides and nutraceuticals--enabling manufacturers to develop better products that target specific demographics or diverse health conditions and that assure specific label profiles. Fortitech is expert in delivering multiple nutrients in a single blend while preserving three key elements of successful premixes: taste, stability and texture. Key to this strategy is developing formulations using functional ingredients that serve a dual purpose and delivering a health benefit while also providing processing advantages. Fortitech Inc., Mark Fanion, 518-372-5155, fanion.mark@fortitech.com, www.fortitech.com

Whey to Go

Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) whey protein hydrolysates have been shown to improve protein synthesis and reduce catabolism at the muscle level. They also are important for treatment and prevention of age-related conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and sarcopenia. Protient ProMyoGenâ„¢ 4023 is high in BCAAs, with a low degree of hydrolysis. Manufactured using Protient's exclusive process, PMG 4023 is 25% higher in BCAA than conventional whey products. PMG 4023 is recommended for aseptic, ready-to-drink and powdered beverage formulations. Protient, Benoit Turpin, 973-459-2617, bturpin@protient.com

Oils for Health

Many of Arista Industries' natural marine and vegetable oils are ingredients for health. Olive oil and canola oils are high in monounsaturates, which are beneficial for healthful cooking. Rice bran oil contains essential amino acids, which are building blocks of protein in the body. Safflower oil is a useful agent in the prevention of coronary artery disease and is known to help lower cholesterol. Sesame oil is very stable and helps eliminate newly made cholesterol. Wheat germ oil is a rich source of natural vitamin E and it is an important cereal source of omega-3 fatty acids. Arista, Justin Hillyer, 203-761-1009, ext. 333, Justin@aristaindustries.com

Fiber Choice

An all-natural, GMO-free, highly functional source of soluble dietary fiber offers a guaranteed minimum of 90% fiber. FIBREGUM™ provides a nutritional fiber for fortification combined with the proven technical functionality of acacia gum. FIBREGUM is highly tolerated, giving “gut comfort” with no unpleasant side effects, and has demonstrated prebiotic and bifidogenic activity in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. It also is non-cariogenic, with a very low glycemic index. Available in an easy-to-use, instantized form, FIBREGUM is the product of choice for all healthy and innovative new product formulations. Colloides Naturels Inc., Sharrann Simmons, 908-704-7480, simmons@cnius.com, www.cniworld.com

Immune Boost

Gain market share by addressing a top concern for consumers—staying healthy. Capitalize on WILD's healthy ingredient expertise by letting us help you formulate with MaxImmune™, a patented blend of phytonutrients that delivers an array of antioxidants. These antioxidants have been clinically proven to reduce the severity of common cold symptoms. The blend also contains a proprietary ingredient that exhibits anti-viral properties. MaxImmune is water-soluble and protects the cells of the body from oxidative stress, thereby boosting immunity. WILD Ingredients, Greg Horn, 859-342-3573, ghorn@wildflavors.com

Tea Time

Research suggests that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major active component in green tea, is associated with antioxidant and weight management benefits. TEAVIGOâ„¢, a natural high-potency EGCG purified from green tea by DSM Nutritional Products, has been self-affirmed GRAS. DSM manufactures EGCG from green tea utilizing patented technology, enabling TEAVIGO to offer the benefits of green tea without affecting taste. TEAVIGO is 100% natural with a minimum EGCG content of 94%, the highest level on the market. Available in powder or granular form, TEAVIGO can be included in beverages, energy bars, confections, cereals and other food products. DSM Nutritional Products, 800-526-0189, www.nutraaccess.com

Multi-functioning Fiber

ORAFTI offers groundbreaking nutritional and functional properties with the soluble, all-natural fiber Beneo™ (inulin, oligofructose) and Beneo Synergy 1. Healthy benefits include enhanced calcium absorption, “invisible” fiber enrichment, improved mouthfeel, and enhanced gastrointestinal health through prebiotics. Beneo replaces fat and sugar in food, beverage and nutraceutical applications, without adversely affecting taste or mouthfeel. Beneo Synergy 1 boosts calcium absorption and increases bone mineral density. ORAFTI operates in over 75 countries globally. Orafti North America, Joseph O'Neill, 610-889-9828, joneill@orafti-us.com, www.orafti.com

Better-tasting Omega-3

Hormel's OmegaSource® omega-3s are among the highest quality omega-3 fish oils available today. Using proprietary technology, Hormel eliminates all traces of fishy taste, odor and impurities such as PCBs, dioxins and mercury. Omega-3s can be added to a variety of applications to help consumers reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, decrease age-related macular degeneration and reduce hypertension. Hormel's omega-3s also have high oxidative stability, leading to longer shelflife. Hormel Specialty Products, Mike Buttshaw, 800-956-0399, www.hormel-spd.com

Group Support

The health benefits provided by one GMO-free tomato complex are optimized through the synergy of lycopene, tocopherols and other carotenoids found naturally in the tomato. Antioxidant-rich Lyc-O-Mato® supports cardiovascular, prostate and skin health by protecting cells against damage from oxidative stress. Designed to meet the needs of various food application types, dry Lyc-O-Mato powder and paste-form Lyc-O-Mato Red are GRAS and kosher, and ideal for fortifying a wide variety of foods and beverages. LycoRed Corp., Dave Thomas, 608-783-0872, info@us.lycored.com

That “Gut” Feeling!

Independent research from DSM Food Specialties has revealed that good digestive health is a concern for many consumers. DSM's LAFTI® probiotics offer manufacturers a digestive health ingredient to meet the demands of modern consumers, providing specific benefits such as natural defense and healthy digestion. The LAFTI range comprises of three strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus LAFTI L10 (L10), Bifidobacterium LAFTI B94 (B94) and Lactobacillus casei LAFTI L26 (L26). They all demonstrate excellent stability in a variety of dairy applications. DSM Food Specialties-PeptoPro, DSM Food Specialties, +31 15 279 3263, info.FunctionalFood- Ingredients@dsm.com, www.dsm.com, www.lafti.com

Peas to Protein

A family of functional proteins from yellow peas delivers unique nutritional value and excellent functional properties. NUTRALYS® can be used in many applications including meat and fish products, prepared meals, bakery and snack products. With 85% protein and a rich amino acid profile, NUTRALYS is highly digestible (98%), all-natural, non-allergenic and non-GMO. This protein provides high emulsion/gel properties and stability to many finished products. It is dispersible, free-flowing and easily processed. Roquette, Chandani Perera, 800-222-5757, chandani.perera@roquette.com, www.roquette.com

Controlling Cholesterol

Cholesterol management in creamy dressings makes a tasty condiment considerably healthier. Eggstend 220 made by Parmalat Canada can replace egg yolk in mayonnaise and creamy type dressings, maintaining the full organoleptic profile but reducing the cholesterol content by up to 90%. Eggstend 220 is a functionally modified whey protein concentrate. Healthy, functional and label-friendly. Call for samples and eliminate eggs from your formulation! Parmalat Ingredients, Gloria Sauve, 877-891-0811, gloria_sauve@parmalat.ca

Omegas Safe for Babies

Produced from microalgae in a controlled environment, Martek DHA is free of ocean-borne contaminants, has excellent taste and shelflife, and performs in all foods and beverages, including breads, yogurts and juices. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is a key component of the brain, eyes and heart, and important to their optimal function throughout life. The only DHA currently used in U.S. infant formula, Martek DHA is well-known and trusted among millions of new mothers, giving it tremendous marketing value. Martek Bioscience Corporation, Migue DeJong, 443-542-2572, mdejong@martekbio.com

Healthy Texture

ActiStarâ„¢ RM (resistant maltodextrin) from Cargill Texturizing Solutions promotes digestive health with 50% resistant starch that resists digestion in the small intestine. Compared to many dietary fibers, ActiStar RM generates a higher level of butyrate, which is believed to have a role in promoting a healthy colon. ActiStar RM's very fine particle size has a pleasant, non-sandy mouthfeel, making healthy foods more palatable and appealing. ActiStar RM is useful in formulating healthful baked goods such as moist cookies, muffins and brownies. Cargill Texturizing Solutions, 877-650-7080, www.cargill.com

The Whey to Weight Control

A recent clinical trial reported by the U.S. Whey Protein Consortium (April 3, 2006) found that individuals who consumed supplemental whey protein for six months weighed less and had less body fat compared to individuals who consumed a carbohydrate supplement. Grande Custom Ingredients is committed to providing nutritional, healthy whey ingredients for a variety of consumer products. WPCrisp® whey protein crisps are perfect for healthy and nutritional products and can be customized in size, shape, color, flavor and protein levels from 25% to 80%. Grande Custom Ingredients Group, Steve Dott, 800-772-3210, Steve.dott@grande.com, www.grandecig.com

Back to the Egg

Eggs contain the highest-quality protein and are rich in choline, a B vitamin essential for normal fetal memory development and reduction of memory loss associated with aging. The yolk's xanthophylls pigments include the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. And research prompted the American Heart Association to remove previous restrictions on how many egg yolks a person should eat in a week. Eggs are the perfect nutritional ingredient. Egg Nutrition Center, 202-833-8850, www.enc-online.org

Smart Thinking

Cognizinâ„¢ Citicoline has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect to increase brain cell phospholipid synthesis, provide neural protection, and act as a membrane stabilizer. There are over 500 published studies that contain references to the health benefits of Citicoline. In both older and younger healthy adults, Citicoline will increase the synthesis of brain membranes and, in older adults, the increase in the synthesis of brain membranes is associated with improvements in verbal learning capacity. Kyowa Hakko USA Inc., Karen E. Todd, 212-319-5353, todd@kyowa- usa.com, www.kyowa-usa.com

Good and Sweet

Danisco Sweeteners offers Litesse® polydextrose, a prebiotic fiber that also is widely used to reduce calories and replace sugar. Unlike some other prebiotics, Litesse has a sustained effect throughout the entire intestine, is less likely to cause the lactic acid accumulation that can lead to gastric discomfort, and is well tolerated. Litesse is an effective prebiotic applicable to a variety of nutritious foods for optimal digestive health. Danisco Sweeteners, Donna Brooks, 913-764-8100., ext. 2521, donna. brooks@danisco.com

Power Phosphates

One of the most versatile families of ingredients for food and beverage manufacturers is phosphates. These ingredients provide health benefits and functionality, contributing to “better for you” products in many ways, including calcium and magnesium for bone health, and calcium, magnesium and potassium for cardiovascular health. Magnesium deficiency is implicated in diabetes, stress and nervous disorders, and potassium provides benefits to sports performance beverages. Good choices for functional calcium include Levona™, Calstar®, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, and tricalcium phosphate. Key sources of soluble potassium include Benephos™, Nutrifos® 100, monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tripotassium phosphate, and tetrapotassium phosphate. Mag-nificent® represents an excellent choice for magnesium fortification. ICL Performance Products LP, Barbara B. Heidolph, 800-244-6169, Barbara.heidolph@ icl-pplp.com, www.icl-perfproductslp.com

Select for Taste

Maxarome® Select is the latest addition to DSM's extensive range of natural taste enhancers. This new product is very high in 5Bnucleotides (14%) and is based on the highest quality primary grown yeast and DSM's unique enzyme technology. Nucleotides have a powerful impact on taste, including enhancement of salt perception—an opportunity to reduce salt levels up to 50%. Additionally, products developed with Maxarome Select have a balanced, fuller flavor character that improves consumer satisfaction with every mouthful. Due to the clean taste in application, Maxarome Select can be used in any culinary application, from sauces and snacks to dressings and condiments. DSM Food Specialties USA, Savory Ingredients, Otis Curtis, 914-432-5048, Otis.Curtis@dsm.com

Plant GRAS

Cognis Nutrition & Health offers the broadest portfolio of natural plant sterols and sterol esters--the ideal choice for your cholesterol-lowering products. Cognis' Vegapure® phytosterols are sourced from 100% plant oils. Cognis recently launched additional ingredients for heart health now that phytosterols are GRAS-affirmed for more foods and beverages. The announcement of Cognis' expanded Vegapure line follows the 2005 opening of its new $25 million high-performance production facility built to increase capacity of Vegapure sterol esters. Also available from Cognis are omega-3 fish oils--clinically proven to lower cholesterol. Cognis Nutrition & Health, Scott Backman, 708-579-6188, Scott.backman@ cognis.com, www.cognis.com

True Blue

Plump, juicy, delicious blueberries enhance the healthy image of a product. Blueberries appeal to today's consumers seeking products with real ingredients that are natural, healthy and bursting with flavor. Consumers equate blueberries with antioxidants. For product developers, blueberries' variety of ready-to-use formats, year-round availability, ease of formulating and widespread appeal make them a profitable choice. U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Thomas J. Payne, 800-824-6395, info@blueberry.org, www.blueberry.org

Cranberry Nice

Scientific findings have established the role of cranberry juice in fighting urinary tract infections, further boosted by last year's important ruling by AFFSA, the French food safety authority, officially approving the cranberry as a healthy ingredient. Cranberries are well known for their unique anti-adhesion capabilities, which are responsible for protecting the urinary tract, stomach and mouth from harmful bacteria. The anti-adhesion effect is primarily due to the unique structure of the proanthocyanidins (PACs) present in cranberries. These compounds also deliver intense antioxidant activity, which helps to promote good heart health and flushes out harmful free radicals. Ocean Spray ITG offers an extensive portfolio of fruit ingredients, including sweetened dried cranberries, BerryFusions™ Fruits, cranberry powders, frozen cranberries and cranberry concentrate and purée. Ocean Spray ITG, Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc, Tom Jones, 508-946-7606 NS