Cargill Develops Tortilla Prototypes with Innovative Functionality and Flavors 

Cargill has developed a variety of creative concepts to both tantalize the taste buds and address consumer demand for health and nutrition. These include a number of tortilla prototypes that address tortilla manufacturers’ needs.

27/10/06 As tortilla consumption in the United States continues to grow rapidly – propelled by the steady increase in the U.S. Hispanic population as well as increased tortilla consumption by non-Hispanics – Cargill has developed a variety of creative concepts to both tantalize the taste buds and address consumer demand for health and nutrition. These include a number of tortilla prototypes that address tortilla manufacturers’ needs for functionality and flavor.

“More and more Americans are making tortillas a regular part of their diets, and tortilla manufacturers are seeking new, efficient ways to offer consumers the attributes they demand, including flavor and nutrition” said Guy Shoemaker, Cargill bakery category leader. “Cargill works closely with customers to help them develop tortillas and other baked goods that are winners with consumers.”

WheatSelect white spring whole wheat tortilla – Horizon Milling, a Cargill foods affiliate, has created a tortilla prototype that integrates traditional taste, flavor and texture with whole-grain benefits, as well as exceptional processing performance. The tortilla contains WheatSelect white spring whole wheat flour, which delivers the health benefits of whole grain nutrition but with a lighter color, softer texture and milder taste that consumers prefer. The result is a tortilla with the nutrition of whole wheat and the look, taste and mouthfeel that consumers expect. WheatSelect white spring whole wheat flour also can be used in a wide range of products, including bread, buns, bagels, pizza crust, pasta, cookies, breakfast breads, pancakes, waffles, snacks and cereal bars. For more information, visit www.horizonmilling.com.

Mexican-inspired flavored tortillas – Ideal for wraps, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos and enchiladas, these Cargill Flavor Systems creations bring exciting new flavor to traditional tortillas.

*Jalapeno flour tortilla – with a hint of fresh, fruity jalapeno flavor

*Chorizo flour tortilla – with a mouth-watering, spicy zing

*Chipotle flour tortilla – with a deep, smoky, jalapeno flavor; a Southwestern treat

*Cilantro flour tortilla – full of fresh cilantro flavor

*Lard-flavored flour tortilla – the lard flavor adds a rich, savory taste and mouthfeel

Tortifina zero trans tortillas – Many flour tortilla manufacturers that don’t use traditional lard are looking for solutions to replace their current fat systems (typically 30 to 35 percent trans fat), while maintaining the functional benefit of anti-sticking properties when packaged. By collaborating with customers and performing experiments with various fat system blends and ratios, Cargill developed a tortilla with zero grams trans fat that did not sacrifice anti-sticking properties – no matter what size or color of tortilla was desired. The Cargill tortilla uses Tortifina shortening and Horizon Milling flour. Tortilla contains less than 0.5 grams trans fat per serving, meeting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for zero grams trans fat per serving on the product label.

Maizewise tortillas with fiber and whole grains – Cargill’s line of MaizeWise corn products makes it easy for tortilla manufacturers to add fiber and whole grains while having minimal impact on flavor, texture, color and processing characteristics. MaizeWise corn bran is an insoluble fiber that can dramatically boost dietary fiber at low to moderate inclusion rates. MaizeWise whole grain products, including whole grain corn meal, whole grain corn flour and whole grain masa flour, can be used as a direct replacement for existing ingredients in products to support a health claim for whole grain foods with moderate fat content regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or blended with other ingredients. MaizeWise corn products can be used in a wide variety of foods, including cereal, cereal bars, bread, tortilla chips, taco shells, extruded snacks and more.

Masa flours and yellow goods – Cargill offers tortilla manufacturers masa flours and yellow goods products that are formulated to deliver the tender bite, natural flavor and bright, rich color today’s consumers demand. This wide selection of products also can be used in cereals, snacks, baked goods, pancake mixes, brewer applications and more.