VATIS UPDATE Article

Dow Food Solutions, the United States, has developed two suites of plant-based functional ingredients, developed to help manufacturers reduce fat and offer healthier products to their consumers. The Wellence fat reduction food gums and Methocel portfolio for meat applications create a broad offering to help manufacturers differentiate their products for health-conscious consumers, with Americans said to be “continually seeking new ways to improve their eating habits and reduce fat and calorie intake”.

According to Dow, this would be made “even easier with the upcoming implementation of the US Food and Drug Administration’s required calorie labelling”. Wellence fat reduction gums can be added to a batter or coating system to reduce fat, and lower the associated calories, by as much as 35%. This is achieved by reducing the oil uptake during frying while still maintaining the sensory profile, meaning it has minimal impact on the full-fat flavour and crisp texture.

The Methocel portfolio for meat applications is a highly versatile suite of tailored ingredients designed to help food manufacturers create convenient, healthier and more cost-effective meat products and meat analogues. The ingredients help improve stability, bite and texture at high and low temperatures – from production to consumption.