Manufacturers will increasingly turn to unusual confectionery
flavours such as pomegranate, eucalyptus and goji in order to make
their products stand out from the competition on supermarket
shelves, according to a new report.
Tapping into the ever-growing search for natural antioxidants to
prolong the shelf-life of foods, researchers from Portugal report
that the leaves, flowers, and skins of chestnuts could be added to
the list.
Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest
around the globe, could also be a rich source of antioxidants and
may protect against DNA damage and cancer, says a study from India
published yesterday.
A big handful of almonds every day could boost the antioxidant
defences of smokers, a group at risk of low antioxidant levels due
to higher oxidative stress, by up to 35 per cent, says a joint
Chinese-US study.
Natural extracts from olive and grape showed better anti-microbial
activity against a bacteria and yeast than three synthetic
antioxidants, showing their potential as food preservatives, says a
new study.
The Soil Association has declared the elimination of synthetic
antioxidants in its certified organic fish feeds, giving a new
layer of assurance to consumers who wish to purchase organic
produce.
Natural extracts company Vitiva has announced its global launch of
a clean label preservative for processed fresh meat that protects
it from rancidity and undesirable organoleptic changes.
The humble caper, a small addition to the Mediterranean plate, is a
rich source of antioxidants, and exhibits protective benefits even
when consumed in the small concentrations used for flavouring, says
a new study from Italy.
Traditional herbal medicines from India may also offer a novel
source of antioxidants for the food industry for boosting both the
shelf-life and nutritional content of food, according to a new
review.
Tea, seemingly always in the headlines for its potential health
benefits, could also offer an interesting source of food
preservatives, Chinese researchers report.
An extract from leaves of the walnut tree (Juglans regia)
presented a potent ability to scavenge damaging reactive oxygen and
nitrogen species responsible for food spoilage, new research has
reported.
The shelf life of microencapsulated high oleic sunflower oil can be
boosted by combining natural plant extracts like broccoli sprout,
citrus and rosemary, new research suggests.
Polyphenols, antioxidants linked to a long list of health benefits,
may not be so good for you when taken in larger doses found in
supplements and foritified foods, researchers have said.
Chocolate giant Mars has filed a lawsuit against Natraceutical,
alleging that the Spanish company is infringing its patents on
polyphenol-rich cocoa extracts by selling CocoanOX extracts in the
United States.
Slovenian plant extract supplier Vitiva is extending its line of
SyneRox 4 rosemary-based ingredients with an oil-based formulation
aimed at extending the shelf life of high-fat meat products such as
chilled pâtés.
Olive juice, obtained by pressing olive leaves, may act as an
antioxidant to prolong the frying life of frying oils, suggests a
study using sunflower oil.
Onion extract, rich in the natural antioxidant quercetin, may not
only improve the shelf life of a processed meat product but also
enhances the flavour, Irish researchers report.
Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) is looking beyond its current focus of
omega-3 ingredients, investigating marine microbial species to
produce carotenoids and co-enzyme Q10.
Mint with lamb is a favourite combination on many British dinner
tables, and could become even more closely linked after new
research has reported that the herb spares the meat from the
detrimental effects of irradiation.
Essential oils of sage and rosemary could offer a natural
alternative for processed meats, slowing oxidative spoilage as well
as imparting flavour and aroma, suggests a new study from Spain.
Naturex claims to have experienced a 20 per cent increase in
rosemary extract sales in 2006 compared to 2005 (year-to-date),
underlining the growing success of natural preservatives.
Grape seed and pine bark extracts as additives in cooked meats
performed better than the synthetic preservatives in oxidation and
microbial effects, results that could be readily acceptable to
consumers seeking ready-to-eat meat products...
British researchers are starting a small trial to investigate if
the antioxidant benefits of apples are passed on to cider drinkers,
and could possibly lead to "functional" ciders.
Antioxidant and fibre-rich waste from wine making could offer a
cheap and healthy alternative to synthetic antioxidants to prolong
the shelf life of meat products, suggests a study from Spain.
Lard, the animal fat with a poor health image, could be stabilised
by adding antioxidants from olive oil milling waste, boosting the
shelf-life and adding nutritional value, says a study from Italy.
Adding a touch of rosemary to minced meat before high-pressure
processing could stop the flavour loss associated with this
anti-microbial treatment, say Brazilian and Danish researchers.
Waste products from processing of fruit and vegetables offer a
practical and economic source of potent antioxidants that could
replace synthetic preservatives, says a Spanish-German study.
Israel-based Algatechnologies says the little-known carotenoid
astaxanthin is set for rapid growth in coming years, with strong
interest from Japan prompting it to boost both capacity and
marketing activities this year.
Aquanova's cutting edge nanotech antioxidant system for essential
oils and flavours is a signpost of where food ingredient technology
in the 21st century is headed.
A Slovenian rosemary extracts firm plans to penetrate the South
American meat market in order to tap lucrative Brazilian and
Argentinean exports to the US and Europe.
A dairy peptide shown to protect liver health is also an effective
cosmeceutical ingredient, says innovative ingredients firm DMV
International, which is exploiting milk fractions to build a new
skincare range.
Far from being an unhealthy treat, the scientific evidence is
support of the health benefits of eating dark chocolate are
stacking up. The latest research indicates that the flavonoid-rich
substance could have a protective effect...
Tharos Laboratories has developed a natural sleep supplement which
claims to aid restful sleep through all its phases and promote
alertness during the daytime.
Italian plant extracts firm Indena has added a new standardised
olive fruit extract to its range, introducing the product at Health
Ingredients Europe in Amsterdam this week.