Ingredion Launches Agent to Deliver Natural Benefits to Drinks Industry

Ingredion has launched a new natural foaming agent - Foamation Q 200 - that delivers improved foam stability and high quality froth textures to a range of non-alcoholic beverages. Derived from quillaia extract, Foamation Q 200 can replace more costly chemical foaming agents such as PGAs as a natural alternative, and with its liquid form, it is easier to formulate into new and existing recipes.

With long-lasting foaming properties, the Foamation Q 200 allows drinks manufacturers to develop new products which meet the growing demand from consumers for natural-based drinks while also delivering superior mouthfeel. It can improve the textural appeal of carbonated and fruit-based flavoured beverages, as well as concentrates such as fruit syrups and cordials, by boosting their foaming properties.

A company spokesperson told FoodIngredientsFirst: “Our Foamation Q 200 can be used to formulate carbonated and non-carbonated, alcohol-free flavoured drinks, such as concentrates, fruit syrups, squashes, cordials and powders for drink preparation. As such, beverage manufacturers can create memorable drinking experiences for a variety of applications, while using naturally sourced ingredients.”

The Foamation Q 200 is a naturally-sourced extract of the quillaia tree and contains saponins, or natural surfactants, which stabilise water and air bubbles to produce a longer-lasting froth. It is highly process-tolerant, able to work across a broad range of pH and temperatures and as an easy-to-formulate liquid, disperses instantly to create dense, frothy foams that are more stable than those produced by alternative chemical based foaming agents.

Davy Luyten, Marketing Manager, Beverages, at Ingredion Europe explains, “For retailers and manufacturers, the labelling is equally as important as the product in delivering the brand message and customer loyalty. We want to help manufacturers deliver beverages that not only improve the drinking experience for the consumer, but also contribute to any ‘all important’ natural claims which a manufacturer may wish to make on packaging. Research shows that ‘natural’ or ‘all natural’ is the claim most likely to make European consumers consider switching brands. Ingredion is focussed on innovating to help beverage companies achieve this.

“Texture is also key when developing products with a premium positioning, and Foamation Q 200 can enable manufacturers to create enjoyable drinking experiences cost effectively, without compromising quality. Since the Foamation Q 200 helps maintain froth for longer, manufacturers can use this ingredient to develop premium claims, both in the creation of new and also to differentiate existing products.”

The Foamation Q 200 is sustainably produced in Chile and has a non-GM, ISO and kosher certified material status. It has a 2 year shelf life (from date of manufacture) if unopened and kept at room temperature. The product has a neutral taste so this should not affect an existing formulation’s taste and aroma.