Consumers in Germany and France are more likely to respond to positive clean label terminology on food products than ‘free-from’ claims that are popular in the UK, shows research from National Starch.
Ulrick & Short, which has made its name in the ingredient world as a clean label manufacturer, is planning to differentiate its ingredient range by creating combination products that can also deliver health benefits.
‘No-additives’, and ‘no-preservatives’ are the most popular clean label claims with consumers, while ‘natural’ struggles because of over-use and lack of definition, according to research.
With food manufacturers and retailers striving to strip down food ingredient labels to a bare minimum, FoodNavigator.com takes a look at how ingredient firms have stepped up their game to help meet the growing demand for clean label products.
Ulrick and Short developed a new wheat-derived functional binder and emulsifier for use in economy sausages and burgers, enabling clean label claims at a lower price point.
Givaudan has developed a new range of flavour ingredients focusing on umami in order to allow manufacturers a clean label approach to flavour enhancement, the company says.
The trend for 'clean label' foods containing few E-numbers is
emanating from the UK market but it is not yet a keen priority for
consumers, retailers and manufacturers in every country, says GC
Hahn.