How to launch healthier dairy products and plant-based alternatives

• Sugar has a main function as a sweetener but also plays a key role as a texturiser.
• At Alifarma we have a sweetness-enhancing flavouring solution for dairy or vegetable-based products that can be supplemented with soluble fibres to obtain a product with an improved nutritional profile.

Spanish consumers are increasingly careful about their diet and, in particular, the amount of sugar they eat. In fact, reducing sugar consumption and adequate fibre intake are key elements of a healthy diet. In this scenario, many manufacturers of dairy and vegan alternatives are faced with the challenge of developing low-sugar products without compromising the taste and texture of the products. On Alifarma we have a flavouring solution formulated to enhance the sweetness in dairy or vegetable-based products to improve the nutritional profile of the final product. In addition, we complement this solution with a functional fibre to compensate for the lost solids and obtain a balanced product similar to the original recipe. Do you want to know more, read on!

The data collected in the first edition of the '.Observatorio de Consumo de la Alimentación plant-based en España (Observatory of Plant-based Food Consumption in Spain)'The 2022 survey by the Association of Producers of Plant-based Foods and Beverages reveals that 47.6% have incorporated plant-based products and beverages into their diet on a regular basis. Some 60% do so for their health, 45% consume them for their taste and 29% as a supplement in a flexitarian diet. Finally, 25% consume them because they consider them to be the best food option for the environment. On the other hand, reducing the amount of sugar in the diet is already a key factor and one to which consumers are increasingly paying special attention. In this regard, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that adults with a normal body mass index reduce sugar consumption to 5% of daily calorie intake, equivalent to about 25 grams per day.

The challenge of reducing sugars in dairy products and vegan alternatives

One of the complications many dairy and vegan alternative developers face when developing low-sugar products is that the taste and texture of the products are not compromised. At Alifarma we have a flavouring solution specially formulated to enhance the sweetness in dairy or vegetable-based products to obtain healthier preparations. This solution will help to improve the nutritional profile of the final product by reducing added sugars and avoiding the use of, for example, artificial sweeteners.

We work with a solution that is much more than a sweetener:

• Masks the off-notes of vegetable protein products plant-based
• Balances the discordant notes of sugar-reduced products
• If sweeteners are used, it masks their characteristic metallic notes.
• It is easy to dose
• Get clean labelling

Reducing sugars and incorporating fibre is possible

Sugar has a main function as a sweetener but also plays a key role as a texturiser. Therefore, by reducing or eliminating added sugars we lose more than just sweetness. At Alifarma we have dared to improve products dairy y non dairy with a flavouring solution that reduces added sugars and enhances the sweetness of the residual sugar. By supplementing this solution with a soluble fibre to compensate for the loss of solids and texture, we obtain a balanced product without modifying the organoleptic profile of the original formula and improving its nutritional profile. There are many types of soluble fibres and in Alifarma we have found the ideal one to combine with our sweetness-enhancing flavouring solution without unwanted effects (bloating).

Fibre is an essential element for good digestive health and for regulating blood sugar but only 41% of Spaniards consume the recommended 25 grams of fibre per day. Fibre-rich foods help maintain a healthy weight and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. However, some fibre-rich foods also contain added sugars, salt or unhealthy fats that do not compensate for the fibre they provide. Therefore, offering products in which sugars are reduced and fibre content is increased can be key to reaching conscientious consumers.

Demonstration of final product: cocoa milkshake

In order to facilitate the possibility for processors to experiment with this sweetness-enhancing flavouring solution and its effect, in Alifarma we have developed a simple demo-kit of the final product that allows you to appreciate the value of our proposal. It is an easy to transport and prepare cocoa powder shake kit that includes:

• Chocolate powder preparation with 6% added sugars (control).
• Chocolate powder preparation with 30% reduction of added sugars (negative control).
• Chocolate powder preparation with 30% reduction of added sugars + sweetness enhancing flavouring solution.

Using this solution, we have been able to improve formulations with reductions of up to 30% of added sugars while maintaining organoleptic profiles very similar to the original formulations.

If you are developing or improving dairy products or vegetable alternatives along these lines, you can request a sample of our demo-kit without any obligation. Contact with us and the specialised team of Alifarma will be able to accompany you throughout the process of implementing this solution.

References attached images:
IMAGE 1 SUGAR: Pexels Suzy Hazelwood https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/foto-de-primer-plano-de-terrones-de-azucar-en-frasco-de-vidrio-2523659/