Soy bacon bits
Restaurants and food developers are able to use Identity Preserved (IP) Prosante Plus imitation bacon bits around the world. These textured soy flour bits are rich in the soy protein recognized by health authorities and consumers for lowering blood cholesterol and helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. They contain no cholesterol and no trans fat and they look taste and feel like fried, crumbled bacon. In addition, food developers can incorporate the soy-based bacon bits as a high-quality protein source at an economical price.
Cargill Inc.; Minneapolis
800-227-4455; www.cargill.com
Organic seasoned oils
Herb and spice oils from the Sunspice collection now can be labeled with the organic seal. These oils are derived from Asian cuisine where herbs or spice blends are traditionally roasted in oil before the cooking process begins, and then the flavored oil is filtered and used in the appropriate dish. The result is a series of unique, aromatic oils with full flavor and the typical scent of the herbs or spices that were roasted. These prepared oils can be used conveniently in whatever quantities are needed without having to undergo time-consuming cooking preparation.
Symrise Inc.; Teterboro, N.J.
201-288-3200; www.symrise.com
Less salty breakfast
If you attended lasts summer's IFT Expo, you may have tasted an organic, low-sodium turkey breakfast sausage, developed by the vendor. The key was Sea Salt KCLean Salt -- a salt substitute with all the properties of regular salt but half the sodium -- along with the company's proprietary blend of spices and seasonings, all of which resulted in a 40 percent reduced-sodium product compared to a national brand. In addition to such custom-ground spices, blended seasonings, sweet and savory flavors and a variety of other finished products, the company offers R&D services as well as product development, packaging, warehousing and delivery.
Wixon Inc.; St. Francis, Wis.
414-769-3000; www.wixon.com
Reduced-sodium beverages
Benephos is a new reduced-sodium phosphate technology that provides beverage formulators the ability to market shelf-stable beverages that are lower in sodium. This product aids in the stabilization of proteins and minerals and enhances color as well as flavor. It is a reduced-sodium version of a broadly used soluble polyphosphate that delivers the benefits of increased potassium while reducing standard sodium contribution by as much as 70 percent.
ICL Performance Products; St. Louis
800-244-6169; www.iclperfproductslp.com
Salt replacers
Pressure on food manufacturers to cut sodium levels has led to a new line of natural yeast extract salt replacers. Some applications include general replacement of salt, salt replacement and enhancement of flavor in turkey and poultry products, as well as use in conjunction with potassium chloride to mask its metallic flavor. These products act as flavor catalysts, adding flavor and enhancement to the perception of salt, while adding depth to the core flavors in order to round out the complete flavor profile.
Savoury Systems Intl.; Branchburg, N.J.
908-534-6621; www.savourysystems.com
