It’s never been more important to combine taste, texture, health and sustainability in food and beverages – explore how with next-gen solutions and technology so you can strike the perfect balance.
September 30, 2024
Sponsored by dsm-firmenich
Trends in the food and beverage industry may change, but the demand for healthy, appealing and sustainable products is here to stay. However, today’s consumers have a lot on their plate: Two-in-three are concerned about their health, two billion are deficient in essential vitamins and minerals, and 40% of adults worldwide are overweight.¹ On top of these health concerns, consumers want food and drinks that taste great and have a responsible environmental impact.
At dsm-firmenich, we believe there shouldn't be a trade-off between taste, texture, health and sustainability. With our expertise and innovative solutions, we help to create products that deliver on all fronts; offering consumers innovations that taste good and do good.
Manufacturers face a major challenge today: reducing sugar while maintaining flavour. Consumers are increasingly aware of the health risks of excess sugar and seek alternatives that still deliver the taste experience they love. Sugar isn't just a sweetener – it enhances texture, amplifies flavour, preserves freshness and provides the sensory appeal that keeps people coming back.
Replacing sugar is complex because no single ingredient can replicate all its functions. Manufacturers must strike a balance to meet both health and taste expectations. Simply labelling a product as ‘reduced sugar’ isn't enough if it doesn’t satisfy consumers.
To tackle this challenge, dsm-firmenich is investing heavily in research and development to help brands reduce sugar content. For instance, we’ve created low-sugar yogurt concepts that deliver a rich, creamy texture, satisfying consumer cravings for indulgence without the added sugar.
However, reducing ingredients like sugar is only part of the solution. Manufacturers must also focus on adding beneficial nutrients, essential for supporting a growing and ageing population. Advances in ingredient technology make it easier to fortify products with key nutrients, offering healthier options without compromising flavour. Whether it's a fruity-flavoured nutritious milk or a high-protein sports drink, dsm-firmenich is at the forefront of delivering nutrient-rich, great-tasting options for today’s health-conscious consumers.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in shaping the future of food and beverages. With food production responsible for approximately a third of global carbon dioxide emissions,² there is an urgent need for sustainable solutions. Shifting towards plant-based diets is a key step in reducing the environmental impact of food production, as it significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions and preserves ecosystems. To address this growing demand for more sustainable options, dsm-firmenich offers a diverse range of plant-based meat and fish alternatives that are both nutritious and delicious.
One standout innovation from dsm-firmenich is Vertis™ CanolaPRO®, a sustainable plant protein that represents the culmination of a decade of research and development. This upcycled-certified protein isolate is unique in the market, boasting a PDCAAS score of 1, which is comparable to animal-based proteins. Vertis™ CanolaPRO® not only provides a high-quality, complete plant protein source but also enhances the texture of meat alternatives without compromising taste. This innovative ingredient enables food formulators to create flavourful and sustainable plant-based products that meet the nutritional needs of consumers while minimising their environmental footprint.
Innovative food solutions require advanced technology, and dsm-firmenich’s AI-powered Dairy Culture Co-Creation platform is transforming the dairy industry. This platform allows fermented milk producers to leverage machine learning to optimise culture combinations for dairy formulations. By using AI-driven, iterative processes, manufacturers can fine-tune cultures to enhance product quality. For example, the right culture can significantly improve a yogurt's shelf life while maintaining optimal taste, texture and acidity – without impacting post-acidification rates.
At this year’s Food ingredients Europe (FiE), the spotlight is on taste, texture, health and sustainability. dsm-firmenich’s experts will lead four insightful sessions on how cutting-edge technology is shaping a healthier, tastier and more sustainable food and beverage industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative approaches and engage in discussions on the future of food production. Register now or visit the dsm-firmenich team at stand 3.1F62 to discover how science and AI are revolutionising food creation.
References
dsm-firmenich customer survey 2023
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