The California-based subsidiary of one of the world’s top flavor and fragrance companies has unveiled a patented new technology that produces rich-tasting, creamy low-fat foods and beverages – all while reducing reliance on increasingly expensive edible oil additives. T. Hasegawa USA, Inc. announces the introduction of its all-natural, plant-based EmulsiTRACT™ milk colloid emulsion to the North American market.
This advanced flavor innovation provides an effective solution for food and beverage brands that need to simulate the creaminess and rich mouthfeel of traditional whole milk in a wide range of beverages, packaged foods and dairy alternatives.
In traditional dairy-based products, the natural fat particles in whole milk are equally dispersed throughout the liquid, providing a full-bodied flavor with a rich mouthfeel consistency. The challenge facing food and beverage brands is maintaining this satisfying mouthfeel in the production of plant-based dairy alternatives, shelf-stable products or in foods with reduced natural fat content.
“Consumers are familiar with the rich mouthfeel that traditional whole milk fat provides, and expect these attributes in dairy-free beverages, low-fat foods and other products,” explained T. Hasegawa’s VP of research & development, Jim Yang. “Emulsitract is the result of our efforts to produce an all-natural solution that delivers the creamy richness that consumers demand. We have received great feedback from our customers, and we are confident that this technology is going to expand the possibilities of dairy alternatives moving forward.”
In the past, the challenge of simulating the mouthfeel of dairy products has been addressed through the addition of edible oils to foods and beverages. In fact, an estimated 50 percent of all products in a supermarket currently contain palm oil, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower or a variety of other edible oils. In addition to being a poor substitute for dairy fat, edible oils are experiencing one of the most drastic price surges in commodity goods history. Over the past 18 months ,USA