Portion size proves challenging for cake freshness: Novozymes

The enzyme specialist has launched two new cake improvers under its OptiCake brand to cater to demands for improved moistness and freshness in the packaged cake sector.

“We have talked to cake manufacturers around the world and all of them, almost in a uniform voice, identify indulgence and convenience as a trend,”​ said Thomas Erik Nilsson, global launch manager for food at Novozymes.

Consumers are increasingly on the go, and the demand to be able to carry around smaller cake portions is stronger than ever, Nilsson told BakeryandSnacks.com.

“But it’s not always easy to take an indulgence product and turn it into a smaller portion. You often have to change the process and dimension. It may dry out faster and it’s more difficult to keep the good quality of the cake.”​

Novozymes’ enzyme blends have shown a “robust performance​” in improving moisture, softness and texture across a range of different cakes, ingredients and flour-types, he said.

Rising shelf-life demands​

There is also a big demand for improved shelf-life in packaged cakes, Nilsson said.

A 400-strong consumer survey across France and the UK indicated that the desire for cake freshness for 1-2 weeks after purchase was strong.

“You have the majority of consumers wanting soft, moist texture and freshness for 1-2 weeks after purchase. It’s a significant share,”​ the launch manager said.

“The demand has probably been there for a while and it will continue with urbanization and people having more and more money each week,”​ he added.

Sugar-tolerant, combined improver​

Novozymes’ OptiCake Excel enzyme blend is a combination of a sugar-tolerant maltogenic amylase and a phospholipase. “Normally lots of amylases on the market are being inhibited by the high sugar content of cakes…You simply get the best solution by combining amylase and lipase,”​ Nilsson said.

Its  OptiCake Lift is a phospholilase that works to improve volume, crumb and structure.