- It is possible to reduce the amount of sugars without losing structure, aroma and texture.
- There are 100% plant-based solutions that allow the creation of nutritionally very interesting and healthy products, avoiding the use of sweeteners and improving the mouthfeel and even the "melting time".
The evolution of the food industry and changes in consumer habits mean that the ice cream market is looking to the future by applying more creativity, innovation and technology in the production process. The reduction of sugars and calories without losing texture and flavour, ice creams of vegetable origin or the sophistication of the offer are clear trends in the sector. At Alifarma we have a texturising and flavouring solution based on maltodextrin and a very unique flavour that allows us to reduce added sugars while maintaining all the texture and flavour of the original formulation. Do you want to know more? Keep reading this article!
Between June 2020 and May 2021, 149 million litres of ice cream were consumed in Spain, 4% more than in the same period of the previous year, according to data from the Food Consumption Panel of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Half of annual ice cream consumption in Spain takes place between June (15.4%), July (20.1%) and August (18.2%). It is a product that we associate with leisure and pleasure and, at a time of heightened awareness of health and food composition, the demand for low-calorie ice cream made with natural ingredients is growing all the time.
Healthy treats... without losing flavour or texture!
The increase in lifestyle-related pathologies such as obesity or diabetes and a change in consumer habits and demands have accelerated the adaptation of producers to the new reality. The challenge for the industry is to reduce fat and sugar content to create healthier and lighter products.. All this without compromising the taste, structure and texture of the ice cream, the mouthfeel or the 'melting time' of the ice cream; while taking into account the preservation of the product and offering new sophisticated and premium flavours.
From Alifarma We use all our experience and capacity for innovation to offer tailor-made solutions to these challenges. Our portfolio includes speciality ingredients that enable us to work on these aspects and offer nutritionally interesting products.
Plant-based ice cream, the trend
Consumer trends include interest in alternatives to traditional dairy-based products, with vegan and organic components, as well as processes and packaging that take into account the environmental footprint. The use of ingredients such as oats, coconut, soya or avocado make it possible to respond to the new needs of the public with ice cream dessert proposals in a market with a huge growth projection.
A 100% plant-based solution
Among the existing solutions for improving the nutritional profile and stability of foods, we have a texturising and flavouring solutionwhich includes a resistant maltodextrin that provides significant technological advantages:
- It compensates for the loss of structure provided by sugar.
- Improves mouthfeel: prevents the formation of larger crystals and thus reduces the gritty mouthfeel.
- Reduces freezing point and sensitivity to melting.
- Improves the nutritional profile (sugar reduction + addition of a nutritional fibre).
- No off-flavours.
- It is 100% vegetable.
And what does the flavouring solution give us?
- It enhances the sweetness of the sugars present.
- It avoids the use of sweeteners and does not compromise the labelling of the final formula with ingredients of little interest to the consumer.
The use of a resistant maltodextrin in combination with a unique flavouring solution has allowed us to see incredible results by compensating for the loss of structure and sweetness resulting from the reduction of added sugars in the original formula.
Do not hesitate to ask us for a sample and test its effect or, if you prefer, we can apply it for you to adjust its dosage to your target.
At Alifarma we work in the search for alternatives aligned with the demands of the consumer and the needs that you as a technician may have.
We will help you adapt to new trends and accompany you throughout the process of applying these key ingredients to make the development of your new product a success.