Maple flakes marketed for sweetness, texture in processed foods
maple flakes, designed to add flavor, sweetness and texture to
products such as baked goods and cereal.
According to Decacer, its maple flakes have a similar sweetness profile to sugar, but also convey a distinct maple taste. The Equinox line of ingredients, which is marketed both directly to retail and also to food processors, can be used in products such as cakes, pastries, confectionery, nut mixes, granola mixes, breakfast cereals, ice cream and spice mixes. The products are available in three main particle sizes: fine, medium and coarse, which are in the form of powder, flakes and rolls respectively. The firm also says it has an 'extra fine' product, which can correspond to specific processing needs. According to Decacer's director of sales Louis Turenne, the Equinox line of ingredients carries an advantage over other maple sugar products on the market because of the dehydration process the syrup undergoes. This ensures that the finished product is free-flowing and does not cake, Turenne told FoodNavigator-USA.com. Equinox maple flakes, which are available in both organic and conventional versions, can be used in any products that desire sweetening, according to the firm. "The maple flavor is very delicate. It blends easily with other flavors, and it won't take over these over, but at the same time it does bring a distinctive maple taste to products," said Truenne. However, because of the price of the product, which compares to medium-priced chocolate ingredients, use as a sweetener will likely be restricted to upscale goods, with its most popular use in processed foods expected to be toppings and texture. Decacer launched the line of ingredients in Canada in September 2006, but is currently introducing them in the US. Other markets where the line is being distributed include Japan and France. The product is also available with a fruit flavour - Decacer's cranberry maple flakes have a pink color and a more acidic taste, which balances out the sweetness of the maple with cranberry's tartness. The firm has also conducted tests on blueberry and banana flavored maple flakes, but these have not as yet been launched.
