Omya Group used the recent Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) exhibition in Paris to showcase the company’s natural high purity minerals and selected specialty ingredients.
The company’s Omya Calcipur® line of calcium carbonate particles provides multiple ways of boosting both nutritional value and ease of processing in a broad variety of finished products.
With their natural origin, the sustainably sourced ingredients enhance the anti-caking quality of powders, as well as the texture and color of bakery products, cereals, extruded snacks, convenience foods and beverages. Being an extremely concentrated source of calcium, the high purity particles also act as a fortification agent with excellent bioavailability. This makes Omya Calcipur® perfect for supporting bone health as well as the proper functioning of muscles and nerves.
As a real “all-rounder” suitable for different technical processes, Omya Calcipur® positively influences sensory qualities, mouthfeel and color in various applications. When used in snacks and cereals, the particles make for better extrusion too. In addition, they improve the gelling qualities of fluids, and help to correct pH-values. The minerals’ ability to intensify the taste perception of salty or sweet can be used to reduce salt and sugar content in recipes for healthier products, for example in coatings or bakery goods.
Another important benefit of calcium carbonate is the fact that it reduces acrylamide formation, which is now demanded under EU legislation. Acrylamide is a chemical by-product that develops when starchy ingredients are fried, baked or roasted at high temperatures. Omya Calcipur® also scores points for being a cost-efficient bulking agent and a natural white pigment that promotes the opacity and brilliance of colors, for instance in coatings.
In line with the ongoing trend for calcium enrichment of foods and beverages, it is possible to develop future-proof finished products. This includes everything from infant nutrition to applications targeting women and healthy aging—as well as consumers looking to support overall wellbeing and avoid health problems associated with calcium deficiency. Its high elemental calcium content of approximately 40% means that, compared to alternative solutions, up to five times less Omya Calcipur® is needed to achieve the same calcium dose in a finished foodstuff. This results in reduced costs and less of an impact on the sensory profile of the end product, while offering the possibility of calcium-related claims on pack.
Alongside its proprietary calcium carbonates, Omya’s distribution portfolio comprises a broad range of specialty ingredients and selected additives. Offerings include natural food colors, yeast extracts, stevia, vitamins, textured soy protein components and many other food ingredients, enabling synergistic combinations that match market trends and meet current demands.
About the Omya Group
Omya International AG is a leading global producer of calcium carbonates and a worldwide distributor of specialty additives, premium services and solutions. Founded in 1884 in Switzerland, Omya has a global presence extending to more than 175 locations in over 50 countries with 8,000 employees. Omya provides sustainable added value products and services from responsibly sourced materials to meet the needs of current and future generations. In the consumer goods sector, Omya offers innovative solutions based on high purity natural minerals and complementary ingredients that comply with the most stringent regulatory and quality standards.
For further information, please visit: www.omya.com.
