Prepared Foods and its NutraSolutions brand present this annual “Ingredients for Health” reference. It offers market data and information about commercially available ingredients that assist developers and formulators with products that target various health benefits. From ingredients such as chia seed and red tomato for antioxidant supplementation, to the colors, flavors and textures that make nutraceutical products attractive and palatable, this section offers a comprehensive range of new offerings.

The categories are as follows:

 

Diabetic Benefits

Global launch activity with a specific diabetic positioning recorded by Innova Market Insights actually rose in 2012, following a number of static years. Manufacturers appear to be shying away from targeting this group of consumers specifically. Rather, they are widening the appeal of the products to those more generally interested in healthy eating. Instead of traditional diabetic jams, drinks or confectionery, etc., products are tending to have a sugar-free, low-sugar or otherwise healthy positioning, mentioning as an additional benefit that they are also suitable for diabetics. Launches in sugar and sweeteners dominated 2012 activity, globally, with 19% of the total number of products with a diabetic positioning. This flurry of activity may well have been driven by reformulation following the availability of ingredients, particularly stevia, which was used in nearly two thirds of the sugar and sweetener launches on a diabetic platform. Confectionery was the second most popular category, with nearly 15% of total diabetic launches, ahead of jams and spreads with 13%, and soft drinks with 8%.

–Lu Ann Williams, Innova Market Insights,

helpdesk@innovami.com, www.innovadatabase.com

 

Natural Sweetness

SweetPearl is a sugar-free substitute for sugars that is created from naturally occurring compounds in wheat and maize, both renewable resources. Produced by Roquette, the world market leader and most experienced producer of powdered maltitol, SweetPearl enables formulators to combine satisfying taste with a balanced nutritional profile. SweetPearl is a naturally sweet ingredient that promotes product innovation, intensifies flavor and improves nutritional value without substantial changes in recipes or manufacturing processes. SweetPearl’s physico-chemical properties are close to those of sugar, allowing SweetPearl-based applications, such as chocolate, to deliver the textures and functionalities consumers expect. In addition to chocolate, SweetPearl can be incorporated in confectionery shells, coatings, fillings, decorations, and inclusions, as well as baked goods and nutritional supplements, among many other applications.

—Roquette America, 630-463-9430

Gina Steffensmeier, gina.steffensmeier@roquette.com

www.RoquetteAmerica.com

 

Resistant Starch

HI-MAIZE resistant starch is a unique, natural dietary fiber that supports healthy blood sugar and balanced energy. HI-MAIZE is one of the most-studied food ingredients today and the most-researched ingredient for blood sugar health. HI-MAIZE resistant starch has the strongest scientific evidence that it helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and overall glycemic health by improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering glycemic response of foods. HI-MAIZE is a white fiber that seamlessly replaces up to 20% of flour in baked goods and pasta. It can also be added to snacks and smoothies. In gluten-free baked goods, HI-MAIZE both enhances product nutrition and improves texture.

—Ingredion, 908-685-5175

Santiago Vega, senior manager of nutrition

santiago.vega@ingredion.com, www.ingredion.com

 

 Green Coffee Bean Extract

Naturex, the global leader in natural specialty ingredients, is the creator of Svetol, the most studied and proven green coffee bean extract for weight loss. By regulating sugar and fat use as a source of energy, this revolutionary ingredient is the only plant extract of decaffeinated green coffee that simultaneously spurs weight loss and improves your body’s form. Svetol is derived from 100% premium Robusta beans that have undergone a proprietary processing technology which extracts a high concentration of key chlorogenic acids. In addition, epidemiological evidence has linked regular coffee consumption to type II diabetes prevention. Research shows three to four cups of coffee per day is associated with an approximate 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This disease is characterized by insulin resistance, caused by a dysfunction in blood glucose regulation. Studies show that chlorogenic acids inhibit the glucose-6-phosphatase, which intervenes in blood glucose regulation.

—Naturex, 201-440-5000

naturex.us@naturex.com, www.naturex.com

 

Lower Blood Sugar

Derived primarily from oregano (Origanum vulgare) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Origanox provides both oil-soluble and water-soluble solutions for extending the shelf life of prepared foods with a natural, safe and effective ingredient.  As a nutraceutical, Origanox is standardized to polyphenols, with a high ORAC value, and has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in an animal study (Journal of Ethnopharmacology 92 (2004) 251–256). Another study demonstrated inhibition of amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro (Asia Pacific J Clin Nutr (2004)3 (1): 101-106). Origanox provides overall a versatile solution with health benefits for dietary supplements and functional foods.

—Frutarom Health, 310-480-5364

Eden Somberg, technical specialist, esomberg@frutarom.com

www.frutarom.com or www.origanox.com