Tate & Lyle’s SODA-LO Salt Microspheres Lands Fifth Global Industry Recognition
04 Oct 2013 --- Tate & Lyle, a global provider of food ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage and other industries, announces that SODA-LO Salt Microspheres is the winner of the 2013 Asian Manufacturing Award for Innovative Food and Beverage Ingredients.
SODA-LO is the groundbreaking salt-reduction ingredient licensed by Tate & Lyle that is made from salt, that enables food manufacturers to meet global demands for lower-sodium foods without compromising the taste or functionality of their products.
This award marks the fifth time SODA-LO Salt Microspheres has been recognized by the global food and beverage industry within a 12-month period since its launch in September 2012.
“We are honored that our global customers and peers acknowledge the need for innovative ingredients,” said Dr. Andy Hoffman, Director of Health and Wellness Product Development, Tate & Lyle. “This recognition further demonstrates how SODA-LO helps food manufacturers develop reduced-sodium options without sacrificing taste, meeting the growing health-and-wellness demands from consumers around the world.”
The Asian Manufacturing Award was announced during its 2013 gala dinner and awards ceremony held in Singapore. The annual awards provide timely and valuable recognition for those companies providing innovative technology solutions that enable regional manufacturers to reach and sustain the required levels of world-class performance. Across the 39 categories, including the food and beverage industry, judging criteria included solution innovation, customer impact, customer engagement and regional market penetration.
Meeting global demands for reduced salt
According to Roper Reports Worldwide, 64 percent of global consumers are trying to minimize or avoid foods that are high in salt, which makes it the most commonly avoided food ingredient.
“Regardless of your geography, there’s a growing awareness among consumers of the potential health implications of increased levels of salt,” said Dr. Hoffman. “SODA-LO provides food manufacturers with a solution that ensures their products support the public’s desire for healthier options.”
Reducing salt without compromising taste
Research also shows that three out of four global consumers claim taste is the most important consideration when they are deciding between food and drink options. Since SODA-LO Salt Microspheres functions and tastes like salt, food manufacturers can now meet that demand.
SODA-LO Salt Microspheres is created using patented technology to transform standard salt crystals into free-flowing hollow crystalline microspheres that efficiently deliver salty taste by maximizing surface area relative to volume.
Innovating ingredients through co-creating
SODA-LO is the result of Tate & Lyle’s Open Innovation team that creates partnerships to bring the most exciting new food ingredient technologies to market. Through a license agreement with Eminate, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Nottingham, UK, Tate & Lyle has exclusive, worldwide rights for product development, manufacturing and commercialization of the SODA-LO Salt Microspheres technology.
The 2013 Asian Manufacturing Award is the fifth industry award for SODA-LO Salt Microspheres. In July 2013, SODA-LO was recognized at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Food Expo with the coveted IFT Innovation Award. In November 2012, SODA-LO was recognized at the Health Ingredients Europe trade show as the “Heart Health and Circulatory Innovation of the Year” and as the overall “Most Innovative Health Ingredient of the Year.” It was also selected as one of the most innovative new ingredients at Food Ingredients South America in September 2012.
Additionally, Tate & Lyle plans to be at this year’s International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), October 6-9, 2013 in Las Vegas where SODA-LO is expected to be included in the Innovation Showcase. Attendees who visit the booth are going to experience Tate & Lyle’s broad portfolio of texturants, sweeteners including PUREFRUIT™ Monk Fruit Extract and health and wellness ingredients including PROMITOR Soluble Corn Fiber.
