Speaking with FoodNavigator-USA at the SupplySide West trade in Las Vegas, NV recently, product manager Maria Dolores Garcia laid out the benefits that the extracts bring to formulators. The line was built around the promise of the Mediterranean diet, with a key advantage being that extracts of the source materials for the line have typically not been very water soluble, meaning they have been difficult to work with in the past. Frutarom’s new line is easily added in to existing formulas, she said.
“This opens new opportunities to develop products with new flavors that include ingredients delivering the essence of a healthy Mediterranean diet,” she said.
Healthy aura from Mediterranean diet
Researchers have for years been looking at the secrets contained within this diet. The diet is typically heavy on healthy fats such as olive oil and features large amounts of whole grains, legumes such as fava beans and other plant-based foods.This style of eating is also short on highly processed foods (pasta being a prominent exception). Epidemiological data has shown that populations that have adhered to this food mode have lower rates of cardiovascular disease than others in the developed world.
Claims associated with ingredients connected to this diet potentially powerful. According to the Mayo Clinic, the diet has the following benefits:
“Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. The diet has been associated with a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol that's more likely to build up deposits in your arteries.
“In fact, a meta-analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality as well as overall mortality.”
Frutarom has begun offering the extracts listed below, all of which are branded under the NutraT name. Garcia said they can be used as food additives in beverages, yogurts or kefir products and, because they are so easy to mix in, they could even be used in a direct-to-consumer positioning packaged in sachets or stick packs.
OliveT – This formulation contains all the beneficial compounds from the olive, and provide more than 25% olive polyphenol content. Just 5g/250 ml liquid provides 43-45 mg of olive polyphenols. Recent studies demonstrated that these olive extracts can help regulate blood pressure and support blood circulation.
CynaxT – An exotic formulation that brings the health benefits of artichokes, with a 5% polyphenol content. Recent studies demonstrated that artichokes can help regulate serum cholesterol levels, thanks to the plant’s choleretic and diuretic properties. A single 5g/250ml liquid shot of CynaxT mixed with water or another beverage provides 25 mg of cynarin polyphenols and supports renal water elimination and healthy blood circulation.
RosT – The high-phenolic compound content, combined via Nutrafur’s unique production method, guarantees RosT’s significant antioxidant capacity and preserves its pleasant taste. Products fortified with RosT allow beverage producers to position their product as a “beauty from within” drink or as a “better sleep” aid. RosT’s 5g/250ml provide 50 mg polyphenols.
CitroT –A soluble extract with high bioflavonoid content. Citrus bioflavonoids are known to provide a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. A concentration of 5g/250ml liquid provides 340 mg of citrus bioflavonoids.
Frutarom is a highly diversified company with strengths in flavors, fragrances and extracts that has built its business around a philosophy of aggressive acquisitions. The NutraT technology, the brainchild of Spanish manufacturer Nutrafur, came under the Frutarom banner when the Israeli firm acquired a controlling stake in Nutrafur in late 2015.