With thousands of natural products being launched this week at Natural Products Expo West, many food manufacturers may be inspired to create new products or to adjust their existing product formulations.
With this in mind, one of the key ingredients to think about when formulating a new product is what type of fat or oil your product will need? Whether you are creating a plant-based meatless product, an alternative dairy beverage or an edibles product, a premium non-GMO oil like sunflower oil, could be the perfect solution.
Neutral tasting oil allows true flavors to come through
Since taste is the #1 factor when purchasing a product, it is important that you achieve a flavor profile that appeals to most customers. Some fats and oils can alter the taste of foods in a negative way; however, sunflower oil has such a light, neutral taste, research shows consumers often prefer it, particularly in snack foods. Mouthfeel is also an important consideration to consumers and sunflower oil provides a healthy alternative to saturated fats in vegan and vegetarian products as well as Kosher and Halal products that often rely on non-GMO ingredients.
Shelf life is a key factor for your formulations
If you are creating a product where shelf life is an important factor, you should consider sunflower oil. Both mid-oleic and high-oleic sunflower oil are high in monounsaturated fats and only a trace of linolenic fatty acids. As a result, they have superior stability and often provide an extended shelf life to your products. The high MUFA content also gives sunflower oil a longer fry life than many other oils and there could be less absorption of the oil into your products.
Cleaner labels and health benefits for your customers
Previously, synthetic antioxidants were commonly added to most edible oils to maintain stability. Now natural antioxidants can be added instead, and they have proven to be just as effective in maintaining stability and also help create a cleaner label. Sunflower oil is also eligible for a new qualified health claim that was approved by the FDA in late 2018. It suggests that daily consumption of 1 ½ tablespoon of oils containing high oleic acid, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.¹ All high-oleic sunflower oil and some mid-oleic sunflower oil qualify for this claim.
Growing your company’s sales
Sunflower oil will not only meet your functional requirements, but it may also increase your sales. A 2018 survey indicated that 71% of consumers are interested in purchasing products made with sunflower oil.² Differentiate your products and grow your customer base with non-GMO sunflower oil.
If you are curious about how sunflower oil will perform in your product formulations, contact a sunflower oil supplier or contact the National Sunflower Association at: 701-328-5100.
Footnotes:
- Edible oils must contain at least 70% oleic acid and need to be substituted for saturated fats.
- Omnibus survey hosted on the Maru/Blue Research Forum on October 22, 2018