Related CP Kelco Innovation Center Content:
Category: Content Hub Category
Related CP Kelco Innovation Center Content:
- CP Kelco Innovation Center Launch Overview (English)
- CP Kelco Innovation Center Launch Overview (Chinese)
- Module No. 1 Innovation with Fermentation
- Module No. 2 Unlocking Functionality
- Module No. 3 Meeting & Anticipating Our Customers’ Needs
- Suya Earth Burger Sizzle Recipe
- Cauliflower Noodles Sizzle Recipe
The best ideas come from collaboration. That’s a core reason why we built our new global innovation center in Atlanta and designed it with customer collaboration in mind. Click here to take a virtual tour of CP Kelco’s global innovation center.
With campaigns such as ‘Veganuary’ attracting global attention and 51% average annual growth in food and beverage launches with plant-based claims (Innova Market Insights: Global, CAGR 2015-2020), the plant-based diet has gone mainstream. One in four consumers globally is “actively trying to increase consumption of plant-based protein,” according to Global Data’s 2020 dairy trend report.
It’s no wonder that plant-based, dairy alternative products continue to grow in popularity. They can appeal to consumers with lactose intolerance and dairy allergies as well as the flexitarians and food explorers. There has been a boom in new product launches of spoonable, non-dairy yogurt alternatives since 2015, projected to be seven times that of dairy yogurt, according to Innova Market Insights. Drinking yogurts – both dairy and plant-based – are also becoming a popular protein snack loved by all ages. Making the snack even more convenient for both consumers and companies alike, the idea of ambient drinking yogurts (ADY) was born. Without a need for refrigeration, ADY can be stored anywhere and enjoyed anytime. See why we’re making the case for long shelf-life drinking yogurt here.
Taste and texture are key – especially when trying to reach the flexitarian consumer and compete with traditional dairy counterparts for shelf space. Consumers expect plant-based, non-dairy yogurt alternatives to have all the great qualities of dairy – the same rich mouthfeel, texture and creaminess – even a similar appearance. Textural challenges can arise from the absence of milkfat as well as the natural grittiness of plant protein. Earthy or beany notes can also impact flavor.
Choosing The Right Stabilizer System
The true secret to achieving success in plant-based, non-dairy yogurt alternatives is choosing the right stabilizer system. It can help solve the most common challenges in both stirred and sippable formulations: syneresis control, suspension of insoluble particles and protein protection, in addition to contributing to texture, body and mouthfeel.
GENU® Pectin is an easily recognized, label-friendly ingredient extracted from citrus peels. It can be used to protect proteins at an acidic pH and provide long-lasting stability over shelf life while also preventing sedimentation and syneresis. A well-known gelling agent, pectin can help formulators create a creamy, spoonable texture by delivering that missing “fat sensation” and optimize mouthfeel as it helps with flavor deliver.
KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum is a multifunctional, fermentation-derived ingredient for solving plant-based protein challenges, with a composition identical to the naturally occurring bacteria on water lily pond plants. It provides stabilization and suspension of insoluble protein, calcium, minerals and other particles in yogurt drinks while contributing minimal mouthfeel and ensuring a smooth pour.
The Health Halo
For its 2020 Top Ten Trends Survey, Innova Market Insights asked consumers around the globe why they chose to eat plant-based foods. Their top reasons included “it is healthier” and “it is better for the planet.” With a health halo adding to the growing interest in trying plant-based applications, a clean, recognizable label is also critical. Product developers should honor this perception of health and sustainability in their choice of stabilizers. Using nature-based ingredients such as GENU® Pectin and KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum will complement your plant proteins. Ask about grades available to meet claims of organic compliance, non-GMO, gluten-free and other clean label goals. Because of their multifunctional qualities, GENU® Pectin and KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum can also help formulators shorten their ingredient list overall.
When a product developer is able to connect all of the elements of innovation, there is no limit to the potential for success with plant-based, non-dairy yogurt alternatives.
1 Innova; Global, CAGR 2015-2020 YTD
2 Veganuary.com
3 GlobalData 2020 Dairy Trend Report
4 Innova Nutrition & Health Survey 2020
5 Innova Market Insights
Consumers across all segments like to read product labels before purchasing. They have great expectations for ingredient transparency and would like brands to show how “clean” their labels are. We’ve seen the rise of ‘clean beauty’ transforming the personal care market. The trend has also reached home care, including laundry detergent, fabric softeners and dishwashing detergent. (Should we call it clean cleaning?) Let’s take a look at how it started and how it’s going.
In 2020, a survey by IBM and the National Retail Federation looked at consumer shopping behavior in 28 countries.
Nearly eight in 10 survey respondents said that sustainability was important. Seven in 10 said they were looking for specific attributes in their product choice, and nearly six in 10 would change their shopping habits to help reduce negative environmental impact.
What do consumers look for? Here is a partial list of issues that could be important:
Not containing chemicals harmful to my family
Not containing chemicals harmful to the environment
Biodegradable
Free from plastics
Made from plants/vegan
Food-grade ingredients
Paraben free
Understanding of fragrance ingredients/use essential oils
Hypoallergenic/Gentle on skin
Cruelty free
Concentrated formula
No product waste/recyclable packaging
Treatment of employees and concern for community
As we can see from the list above, the issues reflect a concern of “doing no harm” to the health of humans, animals and our waterways.
Why Biodegradability Is Central to Sustainability
Manufacturers are turning to more plant-based surfactants, enzymes and other functional materials rather than petroleum-based solutions, and more concentrated formulations for less packaging. However, ingredients also need to be biodegradable to break down rapidly in a way that is not harmful to the environment or waterways.
Researchers estimate that about eight million metric tons of waste plastic enters the ocean every year. Microplastics – those scrubbing, pearlescent and fragrance beads used to differentiate home and personal care formulations – were part of the plastic problem. They began to appear in body washes, liquid face soaps, dishwashing liquid, liquid laundry detergents and fabric softeners in the ‘70s. Consumers liked the idea of scent capsules that helped provide long-lasting freshness. Manufacturers liked that they were economical and rinsed off easily.
However, the microplastics also passed straight through wastewater treatment systems, which were not designed to filter them. Since the microplastics were not biodegradable, they tended to accumulate in waterways and could be ingested by marine life, potentially entering our food supply. Many countries now ban the use of microplastics, and the search is on for a biodegradable alternative.
CELLULON® Cellulose Liquid: A Biodegradable Stabilizer
Any new technology to replace microplastics will require something to stabilize it in liquid formulations. CELLULON® Cellulose Liquid may be just the hero stabilizer that formulators need. Chemically identical to plant-derived cellulose, CELLULON® Cellulose Liquid is produced by a microbial fermentation process.
This provides several unique benefits:
- It is biodegradable and eco-friendly with a lifecycle not dependent on land and water usage
- It forms a 3D, net-like structure to easily suspend opacifiers
- High surface area-to-weight ratio
- Not sensitive to temperature, salt or pH
- Compatible with highly concentrated formulas
- Disperses easily
- Dilutes quickly
- Won’t thicken or affect pour viscosity
- Dependable, batch-to-batch repeatability for
scale up - Low cost in use
In summary, biodegradability should be an essential part of your sustainability commitment when looking to clean up your home care formulations.
Unlocking Nature-Powered
Success Through Innovation
No compromise: The future of food, beverage,
home & personal care innovation.
The future of product development is going to be heavily influenced by the convergence of six important concepts. Each is about empowering customers and consumers with abundant, affordable choices and no compromises. Spotting trends early is crucial to the product development process. However, connecting all the pieces allows for full-circle synergy that spurs innovation.
Simple & Clear Labels
The idea of ‘clean label’ continues to evolve over time but one thing is, well, clear: Consumer demand for transparency is at the forefront.
Manufacturers can earn the trust of consumers by using powerful but minimally processed and sustainably sourced, nature-based ingredients. In addition to a simple and clear ingredient deck, consumers may be looking for less overall ingredients. They may also prefer products that are organic compliant, non-GMO, and with less fat or sugar. That doesn’t have to mean compromise for you or consumers. It just means ingredient functionality becomes more important. We see this spotlight on ingredients continuing to grow as consumers focus on overall health and wellness.
Appealing to the Senses
How many of us have walked into a bakery and been comforted just by the aroma of fresh-baked cookies? Or bought a liquid laundry detergent because the scent reminded us of clean sheets drying on a clothesline in the sun? Let’s face it: a product must look good, smell good, feel and/or taste good to attract consumers. Psychology says some of our most memorable experiences are tied to sensory perception.
Sensory aspects can be the last hurdle for getting consumers to try a new product. Will the plant-based body wash be gentle enough for my sensitive skin? Will my plant-based cheese alternative melt like traditional dairy cheese on my usual Friday night pizza? They may try your product once, but consumers must enjoy – and even prefer – the sensory aspects to make the switch.
Good for You
We believe health and wellness benefits will be inherent in new product offerings going forward, enabling personalized nutrition to become mainstream along with added physical and mental wellness benefits.
The idea is not limited to food and beverage product development either; there is synergy with the personal care and home care segments. Soothing or invigorating benefits and calming scents are prevalent, with a nod to environmental concerns and skin sensitivities using allergen-free ingredients.
Good for The Planet
Consumers don’t just want products that are good for them; they want products that are also good for the planet. From small companies to global powerhouses, there has been a noticeable shift towards sustainability as consumers opt for brands that put the environment first.
We envision products in the future will require less water, land and energy to produce, allowing Mother Nature to flourish, along with animal life. Innovation is already driving this movement forward through the exploration of new, alternative proteins and fermentation technology.
Powered by Nature & New Technology
For almost 90 years, nature has been CP Kelco’s source and inspiration for dozens of powerful ingredients. Along with a steadfast commitment to sustainable sourcing and minimal processing, new ideas help us bring out the best functionality of our nature-based ingredients.
Fermentation is one of those technologies that nature has given us that will ensure reliable functionality as it helps to create a sustainable, resilient future. For customers, it means quality ingredients in quantities small or large, without worry of scarcity due to natural events. For consumers, it means enjoying the products they love while also preserving plants and animals.
Culturally Comprehensive
Foods and beverages are more than nutrition; the products and even the preparation and the sharing of meals often has deep meaning attached to it. In addition to family customs, some foods are consumed due to religious beliefs, with strict dietary laws for promoting spiritual health. Many followers of global religions are vegetarians or follow strict prescriptions for the consumption of animal-based foods, such as kosher and halal.
Others pursue vegetarianism or veganism for their own health reasons or over concern for animal welfare. It also underscores a need for vegan formulations in beauty, personal care and home care products as well. In the future, the spectrum of new product offerings will be more sensitive to consumers’ cultural preferences.
The needs of the marketplace and the global demands of consumers will continue to evolve. However, we see a future full of possibilities, where nature holds the key to innovation with no compromises. CP Kelco will continue to unlock its abundant potential through new products, applications and functionalities. We invite you to be a part of it and explore with us!
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Think about all the new trends impacting the beverage industry: plant-based, health and wellbeing, plus consumers’ requests for clean label, vegan, organic and reduced-sugar options. The role of innovation is more important now than ever. If you want to stand out on a crowded store shelf, it’s time to outfit your formulator’s toolbox with a product that helps you maximize sensory appeal and functionality.
Whether you’re suspending botanicals in an energy drink, creating an indulgent, plant-based smoothie or recovering body in a reduced-calorie beverage, nature-based KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum is the multifunctional, go-to ingredient you’ve been looking for. Discovered in a water lily pond and developed by CP Kelco almost 40 years ago, it is a highly effective, soluble fiber. And it just keeps getting better and better. As we collaborate with product developers like you, we learn about your needs and keep advancing in technology. KELCOGEL® DF Gellan Gum is the next-generation, dual function problem solver for suspension and mouthfeel. Because nature-based ingredients form the core of everything we do, quality and sustainability are built into our DNA. We’re proud to be leading the way in ingredient innovation.
Here are four ways KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum can empower your next beverage innovation:
1. Dual function = less ingredients, more flexibility.
Consumers want to see fewer ingredients listed on product labels. So, expect more out of the ingredients you use: more function and more benefits. KELCOGEL® DF Gellan Gum offers dual function for clean label beverage solutions and cost savings for you. A little accomplishes a lot in terms of suspension, stabilization and texture (more details to come below). We support the development of products with shorter ingredient lists to meet ever-changing consumer demands and evolve our solutions to meet your expectations. You focus on creative product development; we’ll help you rise above all the challenges.
2. Think beyond suspension.
Innovative KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum is a master of long-term suspension, so you don’t have to worry about protein, minerals, vitamins, cocoa powder or fruit settling at the bottom. It also enables exceptional suspension without increasing the viscosity or mouthfeel of your finished beverage. So now it’s time to think big – there is a world of possibility beyond traditional suspension capability just waiting to be unlocked!
3. Stabilization assured.
How much food waste happens because separation has occurred? Maintaining product consistency over the course of shelf life is imperative. Your beverage must deliver the promise of the ingredient benefits in every sip, and it must taste and look good, without separation and settling. As new alternative protein sources come along, so do new stabilization challenges. Protein powders can be difficult to hydrate, and sensitive to heat and pH, so there’s always a threat of protein instability in the finished beverage. KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum forms a fluid gel to stabilize your beverage and prevent phase separation with minimal impact on viscosity. No matter if you’re using dairy milk or plant proteins, KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum provides stabilization.
4. Get superior flavor release and texture.
Great texture can be compared to making a memorable first impression. However, most consumers won’t even think about texture unless it’s inferior. A gelatinous chocolate milk or a watery almond beverage could turn off a customer for good. There is also a lot of body and flavor lost when reducing sugar. We know it can be hard to describe the mouthfeel you want in a finished product, but we encourage formulators to address their texture needs up front in the process to achieve them. Define the richness, creaminess and other specific attributes you want consumers to experience when tasting your beverage and we can help you attain them. Innovative KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum should be the first tool in your texture toolbox. It has excellent taste release and it also plays well with other texturants to help you achieve your desired mouthfeel.
Our global team of market-leading technical experts is ready to help you develop better-for-you beverages that range from light and refreshing to rich and decadent. Let us know your goals and we will be happy to assist you. Ask us about tailoring a KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum solution to address your specific needs, including vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, organic-compliant, gluten-free and other clean label ideals.
For more information or to request a sample, contact us here.
Panna cotta, low-sugar jam, vegan mayonnaise, fruit drinks… yum! Explore exclusive prototype innovations from Europe and the Middle East below, each of which is introduced by an expert from our global Sales Technical Service (STS) team who offers tips for using CP Kelco’s nature-based ingredients to create regional-inspired foods and beverages. An easy-to-follow recipe card also accompanies each prototype video.
Fruited Drinking Yogurt
All rights reserved. Video may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of CP Kelco.
In this video, Søren Jensen, Application Specialist in Denmark, reveals how CP Kelco’s pectin provides stability in the fruit prep and yogurt parts of this tasty fruited yogurt drink.
- [FREE DOWNLOAD] Fruited Drinking Yogurt Recipe Card
Click the images below to access videos and recipe cards for our low-sugar jam, low-fat vegan mayonnaise, panna cotta and mango flavored drink prototypes.
[RELATED CONTENT] Access exclusive prototype innovations for Asia Pacific and the Americas.
Mango and passionfruit yogurt drink and chocolate-y beverages… yum! Explore exclusive prototype innovations below from the Americas, each of which is introduced by an expert from our global Sales Technical Service (STS) team who offers tips for using CP Kelco’s nature-based ingredients to create regional-inspired foods and beverages. An easy-to-follow recipe card also accompanies each prototype video.*
Chocolate Oat Beverage
CP Kelco’s gellan gum helps to suspend all the chocolate-y goodness (cocoa) in this indulgent plant-based drink.
- [FREE DOWNLOAD] Chocolate Oat Beverage Recipe Card
Low-Sugar Mango and Passionfruit Yogurt Drink
Learn how CP Kelco’s pectin helps maintain this yogurt drink’s structure and texture, throughout it’s long shelf-life.
- [FREE DOWNLOAD] Low-Sugar Mango and Passionfruit Yogurt Drink Recipe Card
High-Protein Chocolate Milk
CP Kelco’s gellan gum adds pleasant mouthfeel and suspension to this high-protein lactose-free milk.
- [FREE DOWNLOAD] High-Protein Chocolate Milk Recipe Card
[RELATED CONTENT] Access exclusive prototype innovations for Europe & the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
* All rights reserved. Video may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of CP Kelco.