Food Focus: Foods for Weight Management

Dec. 27, 2017

Improved understanding of appetite regulation has enabled food manufacturers to develop foods that help consumers feel full and satisfied.

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s 2017 Annual Food and Health Survey shows that one in three shoppers is interested in the benefit of weight loss or weight management in foods. This is particularly true of younger shoppers, those between the ages of 18-49 years.

An improved understanding of appetite regulation mechanisms is enabling formulators to develop foods that help consumers feel full and satisfied. This in turn helps them eat less and ultimately lose weight, followed by maintaining weight. Fat, fiber and protein contribute to a feeling of fullness, with each of these macronutrients possessing unique benefits. For example, emerging research shows that prebiotic fibers may positively affect gut microbiota influencing the host—the consumer—to eat less while also increasing metabolism. The one thing that all three macronutrients have in common is that they take longer to pass through the digestive system, as compared to traditional carbohydrates. This delayed transit contributes to a feeling of fullness.

According to “Optimising Foods for Satiety” in the February 2015 issue of Trends in Food Science & Technology, a food’s satiating power is dependent not only on its nutrient composition but also the consumer’s sensory and cognitive appraisal of the food. The review concluded that numerous features of a food product can be manipulated to enhance the consumer’s experience of satiety, with the combination of these features ultimately determining the effect on appetite control. Taking this integrated approach to satiety will optimize the development of high-satiety foods.

On the Shelves

Kodiak Cakes' Protein-packed Muffins

Salt Lake City-based Kodiak Cakes is launching Protein-Packed Cornbread Mix, which is crafted with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients and whole grains. The brand is also debuting new muffin mixes in blueberry lemon and double dark chocolate flavors. One serving of the cornbread contains 10g protein and 3g fiber, while a muffin packs in 15g protein and 4g fiber. The products are designed to help keep hunger at bay while providing fuel to get you through the day. The mixes have a suggested retail price of $4.99.

Slimfast's Satiating Coffee

With new Slimfast Advanced Nutrition Slim Café Mocha Cappuccino Meal Replacement Shake from Unilever, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., consumers can now control hunger for up to four hours, while gaining energy from the caffeine equivalent of one cup of coffee. Each 11-oz. plastic bottle, which is sold in four packs, is packed with 20g protein, 5g fiber, 24 vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and only 1g sugar. The protein comes from calcium caseinate and milk protein concentrate. Sugar stays low through use of the non-nutritive sweetener sucralose.

Zone Labs' Controlled-release Nutrition Bars

Zone Labs, Peabody, Mass., has launched the ZoneRx line of anti-inflammatory nutrition products. The bars are made with a proprietary controlled release nutrition ingredient system, a precise combination of protein, low-glycemic carbohydrates and fat. This system is designed to help stabilize insulin levels and maintain peak mental alertness, while controlling satiety. The bars also contain 375 milligrams of polyphenols for optimal hormonal control to maximize satiety and prebiotics for improved appetite control and gut health support.