In response to increased consumer demand for smooth, silky textures in clean label and gluten-free products, researchers at Ingredion’s Idea Labs™ have developed a new line of HOMECRAFT® Create multi-functional rice flours. This new range of ingredients will first be available to food manufacturers in the United States, Canada and Asia-Pacific after the premiere this week at the IFT17 Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Las Vegas, NV.
This development marks the first time food manufacturers will be able to convert to a highly desirable “rice flour” label while at the same time achieving the same robust functionality, stability and shelf life previously associated with the use of hydrocolloids, modified starches and other ingredients not considered clean label. Applications testing has shown these new rice flours can enhance formulations of baby foods, soups, sauces, dairy alternatives, fruit fillings, snack products, meats, batters and ready meals; while also offering advantages in the preparation of gluten-free and dairy-free recipes.
Proprietary research conducted to understand the labeling preferences of consumers in North America and the Asia Pacific region found “rice flour” to be one of the most accepted, commonly used ingredients in the food and beverage industry. This same research also showed a significantly higher proportion of U.S. and APAC consumers prefer “rice flour” over other ingredients.
“Ingredion has long been a pioneer in the clean label movement and in understanding consumer attitudes and preferences towards specific ingredients and claims. The exciting development of HOMECRAFT® Create multi-functional rice flours, leverages our recent investments in Asia-Pacific, and reflects the continued commitment of researchers working in this area at our global network of Ingredion Idea Labs innovation centers,” said Daniel Haley, director of the global Wholesome Springboard at Ingredion.
“Consumer demand for clean and simple labels continues to climb in North America, along with their expectations for front-of-box claims to be supported by ingredient statements,” said Angelina De Castro, senior marketing manager of Ingredion’s Wholesome Springboard in North America. “Providing these highly functional rice flours with added stability and enhanced texture, allow our customers to develop and produce new products that are as close as possible to what consumers would expect in an authentic recipe.”
To learn more about HOMECRAFT® Create multi-functional rice flours and other solutions developed at Ingredion’s Idea Labs™ innovation centers, please contact your Skidmore representative.
