Dive Brief:
- Omya, a global producer of industrial materials, said that it has duplicated milk-like properties such as color and mouthfeel through refractive index Calcipur 90 -KP, according to Food Ingredients 1st.
- The Calcipur 90 – KP solution is said to be compatible with all traditional stabilizing agents used in beverage formulations and works at different viscosities.
- The company also offers a range of versatile ingredients, including stabilizers, sweetening systems and flavors.
Dive Insight:
There’s been a lot of headway in the world of dairy-free food as companies find better ways to make these items taste and feel more like their dairy counterparts.
A recent Mintel study revealed that U.S. non-dairy milk sales increased 9% in 2015. Dairy milk sales declined 7% — $17.8 billion worth of sales — over the same period. Consumers are looking for these products, and not all of them have dairy allergies and sensitivities. Many just want a healthier way to drink milk.
Califia Farms conducted a survey in conjunction with BerryCart last year that showed more than half of Americans were drinking plant-based alternative dairy beverages several times a week.
Plant-based milk has many health benefits, but it doesn't have the calcium that is found in dairy products. Nutritionists recommend plant-based milk consumers supplement their calcium intake to keep their bodies healthy. A product like Omya's can fortify the plant-based sector, closing the calcium gap between the two types of beverages.