FDBusiness.com

Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a natural solution that makes it easy for dairy companies to tap into the weight management category with products carrying authorised nutrition claims on the label.

Nutrilac^® LowCal is available in two formulations: with whey protein, or with whey protein + prebiotic fibre. They are ideal for creating low-fat stirred and drinking yoghurts with a choice of distinct propositions:

• Rich in whey protein and just 36 calories per 100g of product – which qualifies for a ‘low in calories’ label claim

or

• Rich in whey protein and a minimum of 3g fibre per 100 calories – which qualifies for a ‘high in fibre’ label claim

With the world in the grip of an obesity epidemic, global sales of weight management products reached an estimated US$158 billion in 2014, according to Euromonitor. In the US, 70% of all men aged over 20 are classed as overweight or obese[1], while one in every four people in China is overweight[2]. The sheer scale of the ‘globesity’ crisis means more and more consumers are taking control of their health and seeking to lose weight, with many as 53% admitting they are on a weight management programme (Euromonitor). As a result, weight management is now the second fastest-growing health trend in the food and beverage market globally.

Yoghurts made using Nutrilac^® LowCal are perfectly in tune with this trend. Whey protein and prebiotic fibre offer great taste, excellent nutrition and high levels of satiety. In addition, while many low-fat yoghurts suffer from poor mouthfeel and a dry texture, with Nutrilac^® LowCal this isn’t a problem. It produces yoghurts that are deliciously thick and creamy with no need for added starches, which means a clean label is also easier to achieve.

Kasia Kandulski Lindegaard, Marketing & Business Development Manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Scientific evidence shows that protein and fibre are proven to increase feelings of fullness, which is a key part of any successful weight management programme. By incorporating both into a healthy yoghurt, dairy companies can create snacks and meal replacement options that consumers will enjoy integrating into their diets.”

She continued: “In particular, there is major potential in the breakfast category, as the consumption of yoghurt as a healthy breakfast rose by 7% between 2008 and 2014, Euromonitor figures show. But whatever the occasion, Nutrilac^® LowCal offers a straightforward and profitable option for dairy companies who want to ride the weight management wave by creating products consumers will love.”

Arla Foods Ingredients will showcase both Nutrilac^® LowCal solutions at the forthcoming Food Ingredients Europe 2015 exhibition in Paris (Stand 6F9).

[1] http://www.worldobesity.org/aboutobesity/resources/obesity-data-portal/resources/ 
charts/2/

[2] http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20150523000032&cid=1103