Kemin innovates potassium sorbate alternative for natural and mold-free bakery

28 Sep 2023 --- Global ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries has unveiled its latest ingredient in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) that inhibits mold growth and allows manufacturers to extend the shelf life of bakery products without having to resort to synthetic additives.

The product, Shield V Plus Dry, is a natural ingredient that combines buffered vinegar and botanical extracts to prevent mold growth in cakes, tortillas and flatbreads while meeting consumer demands for clearer labels and superior quality.

While specifically formulated for bakery products, the ingredient is versatile and can also be applied as a natural alternative to potassium sorbate in emulsions, sauces, dressings and other highly aqueous foods, notes the business.

“Its naturally occurring active molecules – such as acetic acid and sorbic acid – work in synergy to slow down the development of molds, ensuring product freshness over an extended period,” says Caroline Ecoffard, product platform manager, EMEA, at Kemin Food Technologies.

She highlights the product’s importance in the F&B industry: “Our product represents an additional step in natural preservation, offering bakery manufacturers a powerful tool to extend the shelf life of their products while meeting consumer demands for clearer labels and superior quality.”

Feeding on Gen Z’s indulgence
According to Kemin, unlike traditional preservation methods that rely on synthetic additives, Shield V Plus Dry is a consumer-friendly option with a balanced flavor profile and heat stability. It allows manufacturers to meet the demands of health-conscious consumers who prefer cleaner labels and natural ingredients in their desserts.

The versatile ingredient can be used in baking, sauces and dressings, according to the business.This is especially important as the global cake market size was valued at USD$42.94 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% from 2020 to 2027, according to the company.

The high popularity of celebrating various types of special occasions and successes through cake cutting is expected to remain a key driving force over the next few years. Moreover, the rising demand among Millennial and Generation Z consumers for cake as dessert following a meal when dining out and at weekend parties across the globe is projected to grow the industry.

“Shield V Plus Dry is the result of extensive research and development conducted with a strong commitment to sustainability and food safety. The product aligns with the industry’s growing emphasis on natural ingredients and environmentally conscious practices,” the business explains.

In other natural preservation news, Kerry opened an innovation hub for food protection and preservation in the Netherlands earlier this year, pioneering new food waste and clean label ingredient solutions. 

Another player in the sector, Corbion, is harnessing plant-based meat preservation antioxidants for environmental sustainability gains.

Food Ingredients First also recently talked with suppliers, sharing insights into natural preservation. Common themes in the category steer toward food waste reduction, the demand for recognizable ingredients and preventing food spoilage by shelf life extension. 

Edited by Marc Cervera