IFT Live 2012

by Donald E. Pszczola
posted on June 9, 2009

Over the years, the IFT Food Expo® has set the stage for a variety of exciting food and beverage prototypes that attendees can sample. The first two articles in this series have looked at the functionality benefits of ingredients in these prototypes.

However, many of the prototypes launched at the show are promoted for the potential health benefits they offer. As was pointed out in the Nutraceuticals Preview (May 2009 issue of Food Technology), food ingredient companies at the IFT Food Expo are targeting some of today’s top health and wellness issues. These include weight management, joint and bone health, immunity, digestive health, cardiovascular health, eye health, and beauty foods.

Sometimes these prototypes are referred to as “nutraceutical” or “functional” or just simply “better for you.” In any case, the emphasis on these formulations is more on health, and so in this article—the third and concluding part of this series—we’ll “check up” on these types of products and their health-promoting benefits.

● Beauty foods. A natural ingredient from Friesland Campina Domo, Booth 1419, supports healthy skin (see photo). The ingredient is derived from whey protein, Preventin, which studies have recommended for use in ingestible beauty products. Be good to your skin and sample a prototype.

● Blending flavor and health. A number of prototypes from Cargill, Booth 1529, are made with ingredients that contribute to heart health, performance and energy, and reduction in sugars. These prototypes demonstrate different ways that special flavors and health-promoting ingredients can be combined for effective formulating that meets today’s trends. For example, for heart health, try Cherry Walnut Clusters with CoroWise plant sterol esters; lightly sweetened and flavored green tea with Barliv barley betafiber; and 100% juice with CoroWise plant sterols. For performance and energy, there’s Berry Pomegranate Flavored Açai Juice Drink with Xtend sucromalt (35% reduction in sugars) and Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Bar with OliggoFiber inulin and Extend sucromalt (25% reduction in sugars).

● A nutricosmetic licorice? Custom nutrient premixes from Fortitech Inc., Booth 2223, are featured in a tonic targeting enhanced cognitive function, a nutricosmetic licorice for skin care, and an ice cream sample for boosting immunity. The company’s premixes integrate functional ingredients from a comprehensive selection of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleotides, and nutraceuticals, enabling manufacturers to develop products that target specific demographics or health conditions and that assure specific label profiles. The premixes are used in a variety of applications and do not affect taste, stability, or texture of the finished product.

● Adding fiber to baked goods. A variety of bakery prototypes are made with fiber ingredients from SunOpta Ingredients Group, Booth 1327. Heart Healthy Whole-Wheat Crackers and Heart Healthy Bread are made with Barley Balance, a beta-glucan concentrate that contains a minimum of 25% beta-glucan and more than 35% total dietary fiber. Products containing the ingredient qualify for the FDA barley heart health claim. Other prototypes highlighted include High-Fiber Cocoa Bars and Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Multifibers, functional blends of insoluble and soluble fibers, and Fiber-Enriched Chocolate Chip Cookies formulated with an extended fiber line, Canadian Harvest® Oat Fibers.

● Icy beverages reinforce immune system. Flavorful icy beverages feature two new functional ingredient solutions from GTC Nutrition, a business unit of Corn Products International Inc., Booth 2323. Purimune™ high-purity galactooligosaccharides reinforce immune system health. Nu-Mega® Omega-3 DHA supports cognitive development and heart health. Other ingredient offerings include NutraFlora® short-chain fructooligosaccharides prebiotic fiber for supporting bone and digestive health; Aquamin® natural calcified mineral source for supporting bone health; BioAgave™ inulin fiber for maintaining digestive health; and OatVantage™ oat bran concentrate for supporting heart and glycemic health.

● Enhancing key immune responses. Lemonade and bran muffins contain WellmuneWGP, a novel gluco polysaccharide from Biothera, The Immune Health Company, Booth 544. The natural ingredient is clinically proven to enhance key immune responses and promote health, wellness, and vitality in functional foods and beverages as well as dietary supplements. It is a recipient of the 2007 Innovation Award from the Institute of Food Technologists.

● Targeting joint health. Flavor-packed energy drinks from TandemRain Innovations, Booth 2411, combine hydrating electrolytes and joint health-supporting methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). The beverages are fortified with MSM, iron, and glucosamine to address specific aspects of wellness such as joint function, mobility, and energy. MSM has been shown to promote the expression of genetic factors that support healthy metabolism related to inflammation and cartilage degradation and a favorable response to factors that promote joint and cartilage integrity.

● A healthier brownie for kids. A brownie positioned for the children’s nutrition market is fortified with a high DHA omega-3 ingredient from The Wright Group, Booth 637. Chocolate treats fortified with immune-enhancing probiotic strains from Puleva Biotech are featured, as well.

● Starting the day with soy. Stop by in the mornings for baked goods made with enhanced-trait soybean oils that contain 0 g of trans fat/serving. Representatives from the United Soybean Board, Booth 1653, address questions about formulating with soybean oil and soy protein ingredients and provide information on the latest developments in soy research.

● Omegas in o.j. A variety of prototypes, including orange juice, cream cheese, breakfast cookies, and flavor bits are enhanced with OmegaPure® menhaden fish oil from Omega Protein, Booth 645. The products are naturally rich in the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

● Adding value with dairy. Several prototypes developed by Dairy Management Inc., Booth 327, demonstrate how value-added dairy ingredients can deliver important health benefits. Attendees can sample a whey protein–enhanced snack bar that, as part of a higher protein diet, can help curb hunger; a whey-protein–enhanced smoothie that targets women who are working out; and an ice cream that delivers probiotic benefits.