Clean label surge: Ingredion launches certified organic starches for North American markets

18 Jun 2018 --- Ingredion has announced two new certified-organic additions to its line of functional clean-label starches for the US and Canada, Novation Prima 309 and 609. The organic functional native corn starches enable the creation of superior eating experiences that boast extended visual, sensory and cost appeal. The starches are also designed to perform in organic products that undergo harsh process conditions and require high freeze/thaw stability, such as organic savory foods, alternative-dairy products and baby foods.

Novation Prima 309 and 609 organic native corn starches provide a comparable viscosity and gel strength to modified starches, yet qualify for a simple, “organic corn starch” label while delivering cold-temperature stability. The certified-organic corn starches are unique, providing both process tolerance and cold-temperature stability. The starches create a smooth, short texture that, once cooked, do not set to a gel or cause syneresis, even after several freeze/thaw cycles.

“Consumer demand for clean-label organic products, especially organic baby foods, continues to grow at a strong pace,” notes Pat O’Brien, Senior Manager of Marketing for the Wholesome springboard at Ingredion Incorporated, North America.

“With a large number of corn starches on the market derived from conventional sources, having certified organic, clean-label functional corn starches available with Novation Prima 309 and 609 is a significant benefit for manufacturers and consumers. The starches perform even in cold temperatures and maintain stability throughout freeze/thaw cycles to create appealing flavors and textures, making the products an indispensable part of the product developer’s toolkit,” explains O’Brien.

Ingredion conducted proprietary research to assess consumer preferences for organic ingredients. Consumers in the study told Ingredion they “prefer organic corn starch” over its non-organic counterpart and perceive organic corn starch as being “good for their health.”

Over the past several years, Ingredion has been working to develop a toolbox of ingredients which allow product developers to achieve organic positioning while providing consumer desired taste, texture and product quality.  

“With the increased level of trust consumers have around products labeled as organic, Ingredion is passionate about continuing to develop and provide solutions for food manufacturers looking to address this need,” Sharon Chittkusol, Associate Marketing Manager, Wholesome Innovation for North America, at Ingredion tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

Chittkusol believes the clean label movement is here to stay. “US consumers, especially Millennials, are more health-conscious, which translates to an increasing interest in food. This is exemplified as they are becoming parents,” she adds. 

“Our research shows that consumers are more stringent when it comes to evaluating products in more categories like meat, dairy and baby foods, there are many new clean label product innovations in snacks and confectionery. A few main CPG players have joined the clean label movement. In recent years, a few major confectionery manufacturers have committed to removing artificial flavors and colors from many of its products.”

“Consumers are seeking organic for a variety of factors including Trust, Nutrition, and Sustainability,” says Chittkusol. “Consumers are concerned with artificial ingredients and use of pesticides as well as ingredients that do not appear on the label. These consumers desire transparency and organic provides that as it is a heavily regulated food system. Sustainability is a story that resonates with consumers and the perception is that organic is better for the environment.”

“With the increased level of trust consumers have around products labeled as organic, we are passionate about creating the innovative organic solutions manufacturers need to stay ahead. With Novation Prima 309 and 609 organic functional native corn starches, food developers are now able to meet consumer demand for clean, organic product labels with foods that hold their texture and maintain flavor in the refrigerator or freezer,” says Igor Playner, Vice President of Innovation and Strategy for Ingredion, North America. 

“Manufacturers can also now simplify their organic labels by removing other texturizers that may no longer be needed,” Playner concludes.

The rising demand for clean label starches is inspiring supplier development. Beneo recently revealed plans to launch a clean label rice starch called Remypure S52, at IFT 2018 in Chicago. Beneo's second functional native rice starch that is specially designed to be used in foods produced under very demanding conditions such as sauces, dressings and baby food. This latest addition to the Remypure line has been launched following the aim of creating a clean label ingredient that is robust enough to withstand tough processing conditions such as low pH, high shear and high temperatures.

Beneo’s first functional native rice starch, Remypure S51, is used in a wide range of applications such as sauces, ready meals and pet food. Remypure S51 was developed for products which are produced under conditions that require a starch with moderate process tolerance. Remypure S52, on the other hand, has allowed Beneo to offer a clean label rice starch which can withstand even harsh process conditions thanks to its high process tolerance.

You can read the full story on this innovation here. 

By Elizabeth Green