Dairy Processing -March/April 2022 - 28

FORMULATION
processors the ability to create multiple sensory experiences
by varying just one ingredient. Honey comes with some added
bonuses, as compared to sucrose. Honey is slightly sweeter,
allowing processors to achieve a targeted sweetness with less
volume. Honey also has the ability to smooth or mask the
flavor profile of functional ingredients that carry off flavors.
Most people think of sweetness when they think of honey,
but there is also a tartness due to the ingredient's acidity.
This unique flavor profile helps balance flavors without
overwhelming them with sweetness. This acidity (average
pH 3.91) also helps inhibit mold growth in some applications,
including yogurt.
Another natural viscous sweetener is agave syrup,
also known as agave nectar. It is produced from the juice
contained in the core of the blue agave plant and is light
in color with a neutral taste, smooth texture and notable
sweetness. Agave syrup naturally contains a high percentage
of fructose, making it about 25% sweeter than sugar. It is a
good substitute for honey in vegan formulations.
" Consumers are finding ways to
incorporate sweetness into their
eating and drinking routines by
managing occasions and reaching
for what they view as more
healthful sweetener choices. "
David Wright, senior manager-marketing, Hartman Group
Filtering determines the agave nectar's flavor and color. The
rule of thumb is that one cup of sugar can be replaced with
two-thirds cup agave, along with a minor adjustment to added
liquids. Depending on the application, agave nectar may add
richness, as well as enhance other flavors.
Two other pourable and pumpable viscous natural
sweeteners include maple syrup and molasses. Concentrated
fruit slurries also qualify. Food and beverage manufacturers
appreciate the ease of working with such liquid sweeteners,
as they can be metered and dispensed for quick dissolution.
They are also more sanitary than their dry counterparts, as
particles do not linger in the air. They have varying degrees
of sweetness, with some contributing color, flavor and even
nutrition to an application.
HIGH-INTENSITY SWEETENERS
There are a range of high-intensity sweeteners available to
formulators. Acesulfame potassium (ace-k), advantame,
aspartame, neotame, saccharin and sucralose are regulated by
the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as food additives
28 MAR-APR 2022 | DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
Dairy can be everything
The " everything bagel " in dairy phenomena started
in early 2018 when now Danone North America,
White Plains, NY, introduced Wallaby Organic
refrigerated dips made with a base of Australianinspired
nonfat yogurt. One of the varieties was
everything bagel. The flavor then went cold, like
really cold, meaning frozen.
Pretty Cool Ice Cream in Chicago released an
everything bagel frozen dessert in collaboration
with nearby Steingold's Deli just in time for
pandemic-style Hannukah 2020 gatherings. Soon,
Jeni's Ice Cream, Columbus, Ohio, followed with
a special-edition offering in 2021 and now is
bringing it back for a limited time.
The everything bagel flavor trend likely
started when Monrovia, Calif.-based Trader Joe's
introduced the Everything But the Bagel Potato
Chips in 2017, followed by the Everything But
the Bagel Seasoning two years later. The latter
developed a cult-like following where consumers
were adding it to everything and posting photos
on social media. It got marketers thinking.
The mixture typically contains sesame and
poppy seeds, along with minced onion and garlic
and sea salt. Sometimes cracked pepper and black
sesame are included.
Strange combination for dairy foods? Not really.
Think bagel and cream cheese. It oddly works in
ice cream, too, for fans of onion and garlic. It is
great in sour cream- or yogurt-based dips, which
private-label retailer Aldi Inc., offers occasionally
using a Greek yogurt base.
And it works in cottage cheese. HP Hood,
Boston, now offers a limited-edition everything
bagel option throughout New England and New
York. This seasoning blend also includes flaxseed.
New York-based Whisps
Cheese & Pretzel Bites Everything at Natural
Products Expo West, held March 8 to 12
in
Anaheim, Calif. Real parmesan cheese, pretzel
pieces and everything seasoning gets combined
and baked into a bite-sized ball for a grab-and-go
snack ready for anything.
debuted Whisps
http://www.DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
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