New Technology Developed for Low Fat Snack Coating

Crispy snacks with a significantly reduced fat content that can be easily prepared in a microwave without using active packaging – this is the result of years of research and development by Crisp Sensation Holding SA.

Oct 15 2010 --- Crisp Sensation Holding SA has developed a new technology for a snack coating, that has been scientifically proven to retain its crispness after preparation in both microwave and combination ovens. Also when kept warm for lengthy periods, ready meals using this technology do not become soggy. In addition, test series at Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research have confirmed that snackfoods with a Crisp Sensation coating keep their authentic taste and texture, even after storage times of more than nine months.

Crispy snacks with a significantly reduced fat content that can be easily prepared in a microwave without using active packaging this is the result of years of research and development by Crisp Sensation Holding SA. The breakthrough technology is now ready to come to market, opening up an array of new possibilities for breaded frozen food manufacturers. Chicken nuggets, fish fingers and cheese or vegetable sticks using the new coating technology can be prepared conveniently in a microwave or oven to produce a crisp initial bite, followed by a juicy and succulent core.

As snack products using Crisp Sensation do not have to be fried by the consumer before consumption and due to their unique manufacturing process, they end up with a much lower fat content than comparable commercial products. Up to approximately 70 percent less fat can be achieved, making them a real alternative for health conscious consumers looking for a quick and convenient snack.

The results of a scientific study by Food & Biobased Research clearly confirm the superiority of Crisp Sensation coatings when it comes to shelf-life.

The technology was tested by a taste panel who were given chicken nuggets with the new coating and reference products from a Dutch market leader. The samples were prepared in microwaves with and without ‘crisp’ functions as well as in a convection oven. In all cases, the Crisp Sensation snacks were found to be significantly crispier than the commercial product. Moreover, a break test and an acoustic crunch test showed that even after long-term storage of more than nine months, the microwaveable products maintained their technological and sensory properties.

Additionally, it has been found that ready meals made with Crisp Sensation retain their crispness and do not become soggy when kept warm for lengthy periods before being eaten. Importantly, all of the ingredients are in line with EFSA and FDA guidelines.

Combining a convenient method of preparation with a significantly reduced fat content and a convincing eating experience, Crisp Sensation heralds a totally new generation of crunchy coatings. In light of the growing demand for tasty but healthy products worldwide, its market potential is obvious.

As an operation licensed in Switzerland, Crisp Sensation’s headquarters are located in Geneva, while Research and Development take place in application laboratories in the UK and the Netherlands. The company is developer and owner of a breakthrough technology that enables frozen crumb coated snacks to come out of a microwave or oven still crispy. The core of the product stays succulent while the crumb delivers an authentic crispy bite. Due to the new technology, Crisp Sensation allows for snacks that are up to 70 percent fat reduced without any detrimental impact on taste or texture. After years of research, Crisp Sensation has succeeded in developing the technology required for full-scale production.

Crisp Sensation offers its globally patented technology to manufacturers of frozen breadcrumbed snacks of any kind as well as to large-scale and system gastronomy suppliers. Customers can use the Crisp Sensation technology under licence from the company. Additionally, manufacturers benefit from the NPD know-how of the Crisp Sensation experts, who can offer advice on all questions regarding bringing a new concept to market or modifying existing products.