Category: Insights Post

Home / Insights / Starch Supply Challenges? We Have Options to Help

Starch Supply Challenges? We Have Options to Help

If you’ve been having difficulty finding starch, you are not alone. Between agriculture woes, energy costs, skyrocketing prices and other issues affecting producers, it may take a while for the market to correct and meet demand.

A unique opportunity

In food and beverage applications, starch is relied on for thickening, water-holding or moisture control, texture and mouthfeel in recipes. Without it, sauces separate, plant-based burger alternatives crumble, and syneresis occurs in yogurts and beverages. Replacing this workhorse ingredient can be a challenge but it is possible. In fact, your quest to find a starch alternative may have a silver lining. It could be an opportunity to find an ingredient that

  • is clean label-friendly
  • supports dietary fiber
  • is compatible with your process and can help simplify it
For example, NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is a fiber ingredient that supports dietary fiber intake. With its unique water holding capacity, it can act as a full or partial starch alternative in a variety of plant-based, dairy, meat and beverage applications.
 
As an easily recognizable ingredient, NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber has no E number and can be listed as citrus fiber on the product label. It is suitable for cold or hot processing, tolerant to broad pH and temperature ranges, and compatible with standard manufacturing processes. NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber can also help you meet ingredient reduction and clean label goals, as it is vegan, non-GMO, allergen- and gluten free.

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is upcycled from sustainably sourced citrus peels, a byproduct of the juice industry near our plant in Brazil. With an abundant, nature-based raw material supply at the ready, we are well-positioned to help assuage any recipe challenges.

GENU® Pectin, with its unique properties, is also a potential alternative to starch. It offers thickening, gelling and stabilizing properties for a wide range of food and beverage products. For example, it has great setting properties for jams and jellies, and helps stabilize bakery fillings. 

In dairy, pectin ensures high-protein drinks are stable and thickens yogurt, all while providing superior flavor release and mouthfeel. As the world’s leading pectin producer, with 90 years of experience, we are passionate about this nature-based ingredient and can help you with any application challenges.

Alternatives to Starch by Application

Note: The ability to replace starch completely or partially is dependent on recipe, process and desired sensory profile.

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is considered a food ingredient and can be listed as citrus fiber on the label.

*The standard of identity may vary in different countries.

Ask us about ingredient grades that can help you reduce or replace starch in your application. Our team of technical experts is happy to work with you to find the right ingredients to meet your product development needs. For more ideas on how to meet your unique goals, contact our team of ingredient enthusiasts.

Home / Insights / Formulating Plant-Based Meat Alternatives with Nature-Powered Ingredients

Formulating Plant-Based Meat Alternatives with Nature-Powered Ingredients

When it comes to plant-based meat alternatives, consumers today have two requests: deliver a better meat-like eating experience, and do it with simpler, more recognizable ingredients. In this webinar with Food Ingredients First and Innova Market Insights, we talk about the latest plant-based meat alternatives market trends, global consumers’ needs and preferences and provide an overview of nature-based ingredient solutions available to help you formulate for success.

Home / Insights / Starch Supply Challenges? We Have Options to Help

Starch Supply Challenges? We Have Options to Help

If you’ve been having difficulty finding starch, you are not alone. Between agriculture woes, energy costs, skyrocketing prices and other issues affecting producers, it may take a while for the market to correct and meet demand.

A unique opportunity

In food and beverage applications, starch is relied on for thickening, water-holding or moisture control, texture and mouthfeel in recipes. Without it, sauces separate, plant-based burger alternatives crumble, and syneresis occurs in yogurts and beverages. Replacing this workhorse ingredient can be a challenge but it is possible. In fact, your quest to find a starch alternative may have a silver lining. It could be an opportunity to find an ingredient that

  • is clean label-friendly
  • supports dietary fiber
  • is compatible with your process and can help simplify it
For example, NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is a fiber ingredient that supports dietary fiber intake. With its unique water holding capacity, it can act as a full or partial starch alternative in a variety of plant-based, dairy, meat and beverage applications.
 
As an easily recognizable ingredient, NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber has no E number and can be listed as citrus fiber on the product label. It is suitable for cold or hot processing, tolerant to broad pH and temperature ranges, and compatible with standard manufacturing processes. NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber can also help you meet ingredient reduction and clean label goals, as it is vegan, non-GMO, allergen- and gluten free.

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is upcycled from sustainably sourced citrus peels, a byproduct of the juice industry near our plant in Brazil. With an abundant, nature-based raw material supply at the ready, we are well-positioned to help assuage any recipe challenges.

GENU® Pectin, with its unique properties, is also a potential alternative to starch. It offers thickening, gelling and stabilizing properties for a wide range of food and beverage products. For example, it has great setting properties for jams and jellies, and helps stabilize bakery fillings. 

In dairy, pectin ensures high-protein drinks are stable and thickens yogurt, all while providing superior flavor release and mouthfeel. As the world’s leading pectin producer, with 90 years of experience, we are passionate about this nature-based ingredient and can help you with any application challenges.

Alternatives to Starch by Application

Note: The ability to replace starch completely or partially is dependent on recipe, process and desired sensory profile.

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is considered a food ingredient and can be listed as citrus fiber on the label.

*The standard of identity may vary in different countries.

Ask us about ingredient grades that can help you reduce or replace starch in your application. Our team of technical experts is happy to work with you to find the right ingredients to meet your product development needs. For more ideas on how to meet your unique goals, contact our team of ingredient enthusiasts.

Home / Insights / Our Biodegradable Solution for More Affordable and Sustainable Home Care Formats

Our Biodegradable Solution for More Affordable and Sustainable Home Care Formats

Inflation is now the top concern of consumers in Europe – and, likely, consumers worldwide as well. According to GlobalData, 66% of European consumers are “extremely concerned” about their budget.

One might think this would cause consumers to seek out home care products based on price alone. However, consumers also tell GlobalData that they are looking for value and paying attention to the ingredients. According to an IPSOS survey, 82% of Europeans prefer less plastic packaging too.

Affordability

66%

of Europeans are quite or extremely concerned by the impact of inflation on their household budget*

Natural Ingredients

50%

of global consumers pay high or very high attention to the ingredients used in their household care and laundry products**

Plastic Reduction

82%

of Europeans want to buy products which use as little plastic packaging as possible***

The Answer: Dilute at Home

Dilute-at-home formats appear to address these concerns. They can be a convenient choice that also offers consumers great value by refilling existing bottles at home. And, by switching to refill pouches, companies can reduce volume and weight, thus reducing transportation and fuel charges, as well as carbon emissions.

Formulating a super-concentrated laundry detergent poses several challenges to product developers though. Stability is a major issue. Plus, with the consumer adding tap water at home, the risk of over-diluting is also likely. So, formulators need to take into consideration a range of conditions.

The way to assure over-dilution stability is to formulate a structured liquid. However, most of the liquid detergents currently on the market are not structured. They use surfactants, solvents and hydrotropes that are not stable and cannot suspend insoluble materials either.

CELLULON® Cellulose Liquid
helps tackle reformulation challenges

Forms a unique 3D net

Produced by microbial fermentation

Effective in low or no water formulations

No impact on the finished product aesthetic

Very low use level needed

Fermentation-derived CELLULON® Cellulose Liquid forms a reliable, net-like structure that provides a high surface area by weight ratio. Because of its insolubility, it does not compete with water and is highly compatible in very high surfactant concentrations. It can also suspend fragrance, bleach, opacifiers and more, with little impact on your finished product’s viscosity, dispersibility or transparency.

With an extensive, nature-based ingredient portfolio, global service capabilities and innovative R&D expertise, CP Kelco can help product developers meet new format needs in the growing home care segment. Contact us for functional, bio-based alternatives to synthetic polymers and reformulation support from our rheology modifying experts.

* GlobalData: Consumer Survey Results: 2022 Q2 Consumer Survey

** GlobalData: Consumer Survey Results: 2022 Q1 Consumer Survey

*** IPSOS: Attitudes Towards Single Use Plastics

Home / Insights / No Compromises: Formulating More Indulgent, Plant-Based Foods & Beverages

No Compromises: Formulating More Indulgent, Plant-Based Foods & Beverages

According to Innova Market Insights, there has been a 46% increase in food and beverage launches with both a plant-based and a premium or indulgence claim (Global, 2018 vs. 2021). As more flexitarian consumers embrace plant-based products, we see that their purchases are a conscious choice. 

Consumers could choose meat or dairy, but they do not. They choose based on innovation, sustainability, nutrition and indulgence – and they do not want to compromise on quality. But what makes a product more indulgent? 

In dairy alternatives, indulgence is often associated with creaminess and richness. In meat alternatives, it can mean juiciness and an eating experience that closely resembles eating meat. Texture and mouthfeel are the deciding factors when it comes to indulgence.

Yogurt Alternatives

Yogurt alternatives have become a popular protein snack for all ages. There are a variety of format options to suit consumers’ every need, from drinking yogurt alternatives to spoonable yogurt alternatives and ambient yogurt alternatives. And there are a variety of plant proteins to work with as well: almond, oat, coconut, pea and blends. Whatever option you choose, consumers expect it to have all the great qualities of dairy – the same rich mouthfeel, texture, creaminess and appearance.

Textural challenges can arise from the absence of milkfat and casein as well as the hydration properties of different plant protein. Earthy or beany notes in your protein choice can also impact flavor. The secret to achieving success in plant-based yogurt alternatives is choosing the right stabilizer system. In addition to contributing to texture, body and mouthfeel, it can help solve the most common challenges in both stirred and sippable formulations: syneresis control, suspension of insoluble particles and protein protection.

Beverage Alternatives

In the ever-expanding and very competitive dairy alternative beverages market, texture and mouthfeel are what can drive loyalty. However, preferences are often decided by region and can vary from thin and silky to full-bodied richness. A nature-based stabilizer can help you tailor the mouthfeel of your beverage so it tastes more indulgent, provide stability, and enhance the suspension of nutrients or cocoa. 

From creaming and phase separation to viscosity, CP Kelco has the nature-based ingredients to solve any plant protein challenges and complement your formulation. And yes, it is possible to find a single-ingredient solution that can do the work of two. It can even provide a bit of cost savings by solving suspension and mouthfeel in one as you work towards cleaner label goals. After all, a long list of unrecognizable ingredients on the label may not match consumers’ perceptions.

Meat Alternatives

The plant-based protein advances in this category are happening at a rapid pace. However, getting plant protein to behave like animal protein texture is still difficult because it does not have the bite or chewiness of meat. For the first generation of meat alternatives, products were developed to replicate meat in order to appeal to flexitarians. However, it usually took a long and complex ingredient list to achieve this. For example, methylcellulose became a common binder, forming a firm gel when heated and helping to provide a firm bite to replicate the look and texture of meat.

The next generation of meat alternatives is about finding an indulgent, meat-like eating experience but with a more recognizable ingredient list. That means enhancing juiciness and texture, as well as finding clean label-friendly alternatives to methylcellulose.

CP Kelco’s Nature-Based Portfolio of Solutions

Let us help you find the best solution to meet your plant protein challenges and deliver more indulgent texture. Our unique portfolio is derived from renewable raw materials to preserve nature’s amazing functionality. Contact us for more information.

Home / Insights / No Compromises: Formulating More Indulgent, Plant-Based Foods & Beverages

No Compromises: Formulating More Indulgent, Plant-Based Foods & Beverages

According to Innova Market Insights, there has been a 46% increase in food and beverage launches with both a plant-based and a premium or indulgence claim (Global, 2018 vs. 2021). As more flexitarian consumers embrace plant-based products, we see that their purchases are a conscious choice. 

Consumers could choose meat or dairy, but they do not. They choose based on innovation, sustainability, nutrition and indulgence – and they do not want to compromise on quality. But what makes a product more indulgent? 

In dairy alternatives, indulgence is often associated with creaminess and richness. In meat alternatives, it can mean juiciness and an eating experience that closely resembles eating meat. Texture and mouthfeel are the deciding factors when it comes to indulgence.

Yogurt Alternatives

Yogurt alternatives have become a popular protein snack for all ages. There are a variety of format options to suit consumers’ every need, from drinking yogurt alternatives to spoonable yogurt alternatives and ambient yogurt alternatives. And there are a variety of plant proteins to work with as well: almond, oat, coconut, pea and blends. Whatever option you choose, consumers expect it to have all the great qualities of dairy – the same rich mouthfeel, texture, creaminess and appearance.

Textural challenges can arise from the absence of milkfat and casein as well as the hydration properties of different plant protein. Earthy or beany notes in your protein choice can also impact flavor. The secret to achieving success in plant-based yogurt alternatives is choosing the right stabilizer system. In addition to contributing to texture, body and mouthfeel, it can help solve the most common challenges in both stirred and sippable formulations: syneresis control, suspension of insoluble particles and protein protection.

Beverage Alternatives

In the ever-expanding and very competitive dairy alternative beverages market, texture and mouthfeel are what can drive loyalty. However, preferences are often decided by region and can vary from thin and silky to full-bodied richness. A nature-based stabilizer can help you tailor the mouthfeel of your beverage so it tastes more indulgent, provide stability, and enhance the suspension of nutrients or cocoa. 

From creaming and phase separation to viscosity, CP Kelco has the nature-based ingredients to solve any plant protein challenges and complement your formulation. And yes, it is possible to find a single-ingredient solution that can do the work of two. It can even provide a bit of cost savings by solving suspension and mouthfeel in one as you work towards cleaner label goals. After all, a long list of unrecognizable ingredients on the label may not match consumers’ perceptions.

Meat Alternatives

The plant-based protein advances in this category are happening at a rapid pace. However, getting plant protein to behave like animal protein texture is still difficult because it does not have the bite or chewiness of meat. For the first generation of meat alternatives, products were developed to replicate meat in order to appeal to flexitarians. However, it usually took a long and complex ingredient list to achieve this. For example, methylcellulose became a common binder, forming a firm gel when heated and helping to provide a firm bite to replicate the look and texture of meat.

The next generation of meat alternatives is about finding an indulgent, meat-like eating experience but with a more recognizable ingredient list. That means enhancing juiciness and texture, as well as finding clean label-friendly alternatives to methylcellulose.

CP Kelco’s Nature-Based Portfolio of Solutions

Let us help you find the best solution to meet your plant protein challenges and deliver more indulgent texture. Our unique portfolio is derived from renewable raw materials to preserve nature’s amazing functionality. Contact us for more information.

Home / Insights / The Clean Label-Friendly Alternative to Traditional Stabilizers for Meat Applications

The Clean Label-Friendly Alternative to Traditional Stabilizers for Meat Applications

Many of the current global consumer trends are having a big impact on today’s meat industry:

  • The demand for protein has never been greater.
  • Snacking – especially meat snacks as convenient sources of protein – is on the rise.
  • More consumers are cooking meals at home and turn to packaged meats for help.
  • Consumers are reading the package label and want to feed their family the best. They seek out cleaner label meat products that are free from hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives and stabilizers.
  • Consumers are very interested in more nature-based or recognizable ingredients.

There has been growing interest over the years to help meat producers find a cleaner label alternative to the stabilizers and phosphates traditionally used for meat and poultry applications. However, stabilizers serve several purposes. They help to increase water-holding capacity that leads to higher yield and stabilize emulsions, improve texture, and enhance other sensory properties such as tenderness and juiciness. Because of their functionality, it has been hard to find an alternative, let alone a cleaner label alternative – until now…

A Nature-Powered Solution

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is nature-based and upcycled from citrus peels, an abundant byproduct of the juice industry. A fiber ingredient, it is also a unique solution for solving a number of key challenges for meat producers:

  • Strengthens brand positioning as clean label-friendly and provides differentiation
  • Aligns with consumer needs for more recognizable ingredients
  • Can be listed as citrus fiber on the label*
  • Supports dietary fiber intake
  • Maintains juiciness and tenderness
  • Texture, color and taste of meat products remain optimal
  • Increases cooked yield
  • Reduces purge
  • Compatible with standard manufacturing processes, including injection

Want more details about how NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber performs in meat applications? Find out if NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber or another great solution from our nature-based portfolio is right for you. Contact us today!

*Not all products and claims are available/approved in all markets. Check your National labeling requirements for guidance.

 

Home / Insights / 6 Reasons Why Citrus Fiber is A-peeling to Food & Bev Formulators

6 Reasons Why Citrus Fiber is A-peeling to Food & Bev Formulators

1. Start With an Upcycled Ingredient

It all starts with an abundant supply of sustainably sourced citrus peels, a byproduct of the juice industry. Citrus peels have a high pectin content. In addition, this novel composition of soluble and insoluble fiber has excellent water-holding capacity. It’s a win-win for consumers and formulators alike.

CPK-website_6 reasons insights infographic_06-2022

2. It Supports a Range of Clean Label-Friendly Solutions

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber was developed to support your clean label goals:

  • Supports fat reduction
  • Supports sugar reduction
  • Egg substitution/vegan formulations
  • No E-number required in Europe
  • Can help you meet requirements for kosher, halal, vegan, non-GMO, allergen- & gluten-free food products
  • Can be listed as citrus fiber on the label*

*National labeling requirements should be considered in the country of use

3. The Possibilities–and Applications–Are Endless

Bakery
Condiments, Sauces & Dressings
Dairy
Dairy Alternatives
Fruit-Flavored Drinks
Meat Alternatives
Meat & Seafood

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber supports water-holding, texture, mouthfeel enhancement, emulsion stabilization and syneresis control in a wide range of applications and can be used in combination with other CP Kelco portfolio offerings. See how we can help you create consistent emulsion stability by viewing our prototype video for a low-fat, vegan mayonnaise-like dressing here.

4. It Can Be a Great Alternative to Supply-Challenged Ingredients

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber can help reduce the use of or act as an alternative to starch, sugar, oil, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, methylcellulose, egg and other ingredients that may be hard to source now. Find more information here or contact us for assistance.

5. It Is Easy to Work With

NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is compatible with standard manufacturing processes. Enjoy this prototype video for a refreshing mango-flavored drink to see how easy it is to activate with a low use level. We also invite you to join us at one of our innovation labs to discover more of our amazing prototypes.

CPK-website_6 reasons-insights-preview-06-2022

6. Our Commitment to Sustainability

Consumers want products that are not only good for you but good for the environment too. CP Kelco strives to be a sustainable partner in your supply chain. See the steps we are taking to live up to our commitment.

Keep in Touch!

Want more details about NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber for your applications? Find out if this ingredient or another great solution from our nature-based portfolio is right for you. 

CONTACT US TODAY
Home / Insights / Ingredients for Success With Plant-Based Yogurt Alternatives

Ingredients for Success With Plant-Based Yogurt Alternatives

According to Global Data’s 2020 dairy trend report, one in four consumers globally is “actively trying to increase consumption of plant-based protein.”

It’s no wonder then 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 yogurt alternatives are also becoming a popular protein snack that is loved by all ages. Long shelf-life drinking yogurt alternatives add the convenience of a shelf-stable format as well. Without a need for refrigeration, they can be shipped, stored and enjoyed anywhere. See why we’re making the case for long shelf-life drinking yogurt here.

Coconut and almond are the top protein bases for new product launches. Globally, they make up approximately 32% of new product launches in the yogurt alternatives market from 2018 – 2020, according to Innova Market Insights. Soy is still a big part of the market and oat is also very popular.

The key to working with alternative protein is mastering taste and texture – especially when trying to reach the flexitarian consumer and compete with your counterparts for shelf space. Consumers expect these new plant-based dairy alternatives to have all the great qualities of dairy: the same rich mouthfeel, texture and creaminess – even a similar appearance, plus stability over shelf life.

Textural challenges can arise from the absence of milkfat and casein as well as the size and hydration properties of different plant protein. Earthy or beany notes can also impact flavor.

Formulation Help Is Here

The true secret to achieving success in plant-based, non-dairy yogurt alternatives is choosing the right nature-based ingredient. In addition to contributing to texture and viscosity, it can help solve the most common challenges in both stirred and sippable formulations: syneresis control, suspension and even protein protection.

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 when combined with starch or NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber.

KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum is a multifunctional, fermentation-derived ingredient for solving plant-based protein challenges. 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.

Plus, we have a fiber ingredient solution: NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber is a next-generation fiber ingredient that comes from sustainably sourced citrus peels, an abundant byproduct of the juice industry. It is considered a food ingredient and can be listed as citrus fiber on the label. This makes it an attractive option because it can help formulators meet their clean label goals while supporting dietary fiber intake. NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber supports stability, suspension, body and texture in plant-based spoonable and drinking yogurt alternatives. It supports reduced-fat and reduced-sugar formulations and may also be used as an alternative to starch.

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. Using nature-based ingredients will complement your plant proteins. Because of their multifunctional qualities, they may also help shorten your ingredient list overall. Ask about grades available to meet claims of organic compliance, non-GMO, gluten-free, halal, kosher and other clean label goals.

 

Home / Insights / Formulating Dairy Alternative Beverages with Better Suspension and Texture

Formulating Dairy Alternative Beverages with Better Suspension and Texture

In the competitive dairy alternatives market, taste and texture are what drive loyalty – and consumers do not want to compromise. They expect the products they purchase to meet their taste and texture standards, which are based on their familiarity with dairy.

For formulators, competing with dairy milk means attaining the suspension of insoluble ingredients for added nutrition, viscosity, mouthfeel and stabilization for visual appeal. KELCOGEL® HA-B Gellan Gum is considered the gold standard for suspension of insoluble ingredients. It can be used in combination with other texturants to tailor mouthfeel.

Now CP Kelco has a new, strong value proposition for achieving stability and viscosity in dairy alternative beverages: Try KELCOGEL® HA-B Gellan Gum together with NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber for body, viscosity and mouthfeel. NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber addresses the need for nature-based, clean label-friendly and recognizable ingredients. it can be listed as simply citrus fiber on the label. Upcycled from citrus peels, an abundant byproduct of the juice industry, NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber supports dietary fiber intake and increased viscosity with a light, refreshing mouthfeel. It may also provide cost savings for dairy alternative beverage manufacturers who typically add gums for mouthfeel, such as locust bean gum that is in short supply.

CP Kelco’s Portfolio of Dairy Alternative Beverage Solutions

CP Kelco offers a nature-based portfolio of ingredient solutions to help meet your formulation needs and deliver a dairy-like drinking experience for consumers.

We can help…

  • Support clean label-friendly formulations
  • Support stability, suspension, body and texture
  • Support mouthfeel enhancement
  • Provide flexibility for easier processing
  • Provide potential cost savings opportunity

Let us help you find the solution that is best for your plant-based beverage formulation. Contact us for ideas and recipes!