The number of Americans over the age of 65 is expected to double in the next three decades, and millennials are increasingly starting families. The growth of these two groups means that more consumers will be actively seeking healthy choices and intently scrutinizing nutrients in the foods they eat.  In turn, manufacturers considering food fortification options should view this as an opportunity. 

Watson will be introducing three on-trend premixes at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Expo in Chicago.  The Expo will be held July 16th through the 18th and is one of the largest events in the industry; it brings together professionals from all segments of the food industry.

Each of these new Custom Nutrient Premixes will be showcased in a nutrition bar to demonstrate how good bars with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients can taste.  Attendees at the conference will have the opportunity to sample each bar and evaluate its flavor profile.  Watson’s microencapsulation technology masks the flavors associated with certain nutrients.  The result is a great-tasting bar with a strong nutritional profile.

The first bar to be sampled will be a bar the company has nicknamed the “Barilliant” bar.  As the name implies, the focus of the custom nutrient premix used in this bar is on brain health.  This nutrient premix formulated by Watson includes choline bitartrate, potassium iodide, and vitamin E. The prototype Barilliant bar is an excellent source of choline and an excellent source of iodine.

The second bar being sampled at the Expo has been named the “Get Up Bar” for the 2018 show.  The Get Up bar is fortified with a Watson Custom Premix which provides caffeine, theacrine, cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, and folic acid.  This bar is designed to appeal to the consumer looking for more energy during the day. 

The prototype GetUp Bar is an excellent source of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, & folate.  The Get Up bar contains 30mg caffeine per serving and 3mg theacrine per serving.  Both caffeine and theacrine have strong flavors, but Watson can mask them using their microencapsulation technology.  The resulting bar tastes delicious with no off-flavors or afternotes detracting from the natural berry flavor of the bar.

The third snack bar prototype that Watson will sample at the IFT contains a unique type of nutrient premix.  The nutrients in this premix come from plant- and whole-food sources.  This prototype bar is being called the “Earth Bar,” and it is designed to appeal to the consumer looking for whole food nutrition and convenience.  Watson’s premix is made entirely of plant-based nutrition and contains sweet potato flour, acerola cherry extract, vitamin E from sunflowers, and mushroom powder.

All three of the prototype bars described above are dairy-free and vegan.  They include wholesome nuts and seeds and contain no artificial colors or flavors.  These examples of healthy snack bars are also Non-GMO and low in sodium.

Health consciousness among consumers has increased and is likely to continue to do so, and the added nutrients and vitamins that food fortification provides can be a premier selling point for manufacturers willing to invest in it. 

More information on Watson's Custom Nutrient Premixes that will be showcased at this year’s IFT food expo can be found on the company website.

About Watson

For four generations, Watson has striven to improve health and wellness. We are committed to sharing our ideas and inspirations with our customers and to helping them reach their goals. Watson is one of the highest quality suppliers of products and services geared towards enhancing human and pet nutrition around the world, and a leader in developing quality products and nutritional ingredient systems. Expertise in microencapsulation, agglomeration, micronizing, spray drying and film technology allows us to develop unique formulations.  

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