Functional foods highlighted at FiE 2017

14 Dec 2017 --- The food industry from Europe and beyond gathered in Frankfurt at the end of November for FiE 2017. At this vast and well attended show, a number of companies showcased their latest innovations in the area of functional foods. NutritionInsight looks at some of the offerings showcased at this year’s event.

Beneo
Beneo marked the ten-year anniversary of the company at FiE 2017. As well as marking the anniversary, the company launched a new on-pack prebiotic logo to further support the promotion of digestive health and wellness achievable through its prebiotic chicory root fibers. Following determination and extra investment, the company finally did achieve two claims for prebiotics, including a company specific Article 13.5 claim for chicory prebiotic fiber. The company’s exclusive health claim states: “Chicory inulin contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency,” when Beneo Inulin is used in a product, but a more appealing “for better transit” marketing claim is possible too. This recent regulatory success has led the company to launch a new on-pack logo to further support the promotion of digestive health and wellness achievable through its prebiotic chicory root fibers.

The move is supported by Beneo’s latest consumer research highlighting that two out of three respondents consider the term “prebiotic” to be appealing. So far there is little awareness of the percentage of consumers who understand the term “prebiotic” itself, however. Nevertheless, the prebiotic logo enables manufacturers to communicate their products’ proven effectiveness even more clearly and attractively, satisfying the increased drive from consumers for on-pack transparency. 

“The launch of a new prebiotic logo was really critical for us, because the prebiotic properties of our fibers make us unique,” says Dominique Speleers, Member of the Executive Board at Beneo. “We have identified a legal way to partially build on that transit claim, which is basically linked to the prebiotic effect. The prebiotic logo on pack and promote a very powerful benefit,” he says. 

The logo was tested a year ago and has now been formally introduced. Thus far, Speleers reveals that several Beneo customers are planning to use it, but none have implemented it as yet.

Agropur Ingredients
Agropur Ingredients’ Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a casein-derived protein fraction with superior purity. Agropur has developed a unique process by which a purified form of glycomacropeptide is isolated from the whey after cheesemaking. The result is a light colored, mild-tasting, free flowing powder that is ideal for usage in both functional foods and beverages, dietary supplements and pharmaceutical applications. The company claims that there is no similar ingredient with such high purity, commercially available in the marketplace as it contains 95 percent of total protein in the form of GMP. The high purity is critical to applications such as Phenylketonuria (PKU), where no alternative source of protein exists.

PB Gelatins/PB Leiner
PB Gelatins/PB Leiner showcased its latest premium product offering: the Solugel BD Series. As agglomerated collagen peptides produced from high quality bovine materials, they result in improved dispersibility and solubility. This reduces the risks of dust and/or lump formation to the greatest extent possible, making it an ideal ingredient for applications in which instant solubility is a key factor. The Solugel BD Series is very neutral in regard to both odor and flavor, which contributes to clean label innovations. The excellent organoleptic performance as well as their outstanding nutritional value are claimed to make them the perfect ingredients for innovative formulations of healthy products.

Cambridge Commodities
VitaShroom D is an exclusive mushroom-based vitamin D powder from Cambridge Commodities that provides 7500IU/g vitamin D. VitaShroom D is high in vitamin D and helps to support teeth and bone health in children, indoor workers and the elderly. It is produced exclusively for Cambridge Commodities in Europe, where the mushrooms are harvested and processed on the same site, meaning that every step of the supply chain is controlled and traceable. VitaShroom D is suitable for use in tablets, capsules, powder blends, drinks and food.

Newtricious 
Newtricious BV’s healthy aging drink contains a clinically proven, all-natural ingredient that benefits eye health and cognition, among others. Five placebo-controlled clinical studies that included over 500 individuals have been conducted worldwide. The powder ingredient is a combination of special egg yolk and dairy. It is high in protein, high in DHA, without bad odor and taste: 170mg; High in choline: 391mg; High bioavailability of lutein: 5-7 times more; Rich in vitamins and minerals; Holds great potential for meal replacements, infant nutrition and many more. The powder ingredient as well as a ready-to-drink formulation is available.

Nutra Soul Organics
Nutra Soul Organics offers Moringa Sweet Nutrition Moringa Leaf Powder & Stevia. Moringa is a superfood rich in protein, with a high content of dietary fiber, antioxidants and a total of 18 amino acids, including six that are considered essential amino acids because they are not produced by the human body. It is a unique plant with omega 3, 6, 9 oils that is particularly well-suited for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.