Omega-3
Omega-3 Market
There is a growing demand for functional foods and beverages that are fortified with Omega-3 DHA and EPA. A recent International Food Information Council study reported that Omega-3, along with calcium, fiber, and vitamin D, are the four best recognized functional food additives named by consumers. The study found that 76% of consumers understand the health relationship between increased use of Omega-3 in a diet and the potential for reduced risk of heart disease.
Clinical studies show that eating DHA and EPA in the form of fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques, lowers blood pressure slightly, as well as reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal, heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease. Food and beverages fortified with Omega-3s generated about $100 million in sales in 2002. By 2006, the market expanded to $2 billion. It is estimated that the US market for food and beverages fortified with Omega-3 will reach $7 billion by 2011.
Zymes water soluble Omega-3
Over the past decade, many technology companies have been working on the solubility and stability of Omega-3 fatty acids for use in food and beverage applications. Although there has been success in delivering Omega-3s in some food and beverage products, extreme limitations still exist. Current Omega-3 products have limited shelf life, ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months, most of which require refrigeration. Processing limitations allow for only limited types of products for the delivery of Omega-3s. To date, despite attempts by thousands of scientists conducting research and development, no company prior to Zymes has been able to stabilize Omega-3s and deliver them in clear beverages.
Zymes Omega-3 beverage
Zymes water-soluble Omega-3 is the only available source for clear beverage products. Zymes Ubisol-Aqua™ Technology (PTS) combined with proprietary patented formulations and trade secrets, delivers the solution for clear, shelf-stable Omega-3s in finished products.
Zymes Omega-3 powder
Zymes has successfully created a powder form of its proprietary Omega-3 formulations. This stable powder can be added directly to water resulting in a clear solution. The powder can also be used as an ingredient in a variety of products including granola bars, cereals, or powdered stick packs. Beyond the consumer benefits in the Omega-3 powder form, there are significant processing and logistical benefits afforded in the use of a powder form, in the manufacturing of Omega-3 fortified consumer food and beverages.
Working with Zymes
Distrubution of Zymes proprietary Omega-3 beverages: Zymes has demonstrated the use and unique benefits of its Ubisol-Aqua™ Technology in combination with pure Omega-3 fish oil through a proprietary line of an Omega-3 beverage, super water. This beverage is a clear and shelf-stable enhanced water containing 50 mg of Omega-3 fish oil that is enhanced with vitamins and electrolytes. While selected product distribution agreements are in place, Zymes welcomes discussions with qualified distributors.
- Private label Omega-3 beverages: For store brand and private label marketers, Zymes has developed a formulary of shelf-stable enhanced water beverages for license and distribution.
- Zymes new product development: Zymes will work with clients to develop new products from initial concept and idea through the finished product. Zymes has partnered with applications laboratories which combine over 90 years of global food and beverage research and development experience
- Zymes co-development with marketers: Zymes will also assist in product co-development with research and development teams from food and beverage marketers
End Product Formulations
Food and Beverage companies can now offer Zymes Omega-3 formulations in the following categories:
• Clear beverages
• Gelatin desserts
• Powder stick packs
• Liquid concentrates
• Fountain beverages
• Cereal
• Cookies
• Food requiring high temperature baking
• Ice cream
• Coffee Creamers
• Beverage sweetener