IFF announced the US launch of SEAFLOUR™, a nutrient-dense hydrocolloid sourced from non-GMO red seaweed. SEAFLOUR™ is an ideal, natural stabilizer for brands targeting a growing consumer demand for clean label products.
SEAFLOUR™, known as “seaweed flour” or “natural seaweed,” is non-allergenic. It contains protein, fiber and minerals, and offers exceptional stability, high-suspension ability and excellent mouthfeel, making it ideal for plant-based beverage applications such as nut- and soy-based milks. SEAFLOUR™ is also kosher and halal certified.
“Nearly 40% of consumers surveyed look for plant-based milks with all-natural ingredients1,” said Greg Paul, Ph.D., North America category lead – Dairy & Nutritional Beverages, IFF, Nourish division. “Using natural ingredients like SEAFLOUR™ allows food manufacturers to innovate and develop premium products, thus driving brand differentiation and sales in the plant-based beverage category.”
“SEAFLOUR™ has a unique synergy with plant proteins, keeping plant-based beverages stable and appealing, and providing smooth, creamy texture and mouthfeel throughout their shelf lives,” said Michael Cammarata, senior beverage technologist, IFF, Nourish division. “This eliminates the need for additional stabilizers. With this single ingredient, manufacturers have the potential to reduce fat and sugar levels in their products without compromising texture or mouthfeel.”
Derived from red seaweed, SEAFLOUR™ is traceable from sea to shelf. The seaweed is cultivated along the coast of Indonesia without the use of fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. After harvesting, the seaweed is simply washed, dried and milled with minimal processing. This technique preserves the natural fiber, protein, and mineral content in SEAFLOUR™.
“Consumers expect plant-based beverages to contribute to a healthy diet,” said Gisele Barros, global product marketing leader - Hydrocolloids, IFF, Nourish division. “Increasingly, these same consumers expect their beverage choices to contribute to a healthy planet too.”
SEAFLOUR™ raw material sourcing supports the local farming community and is in process to be incorporated into IFF’s Responsible Seaweed Program, a holistic approach to social, environmental and economic improvements in seaweed processing. This initiative also aligns with IFF’s recently launched 2030 ‘Do More Good Plan’, an environmental, social and governance (ESG) roadmap comprised of ambitious targets, including the commitment to accelerate responsible-sourcing practices for seaweed and other strategic raw material supply chains.
(1) 2021 online qualitative analysis conducted by Mintel on behalf of IFF – 38% of US consumers look for plant-based milk with all-natural ingredients.
About IFF’s Nourish
At IFF, we’re united by a common goal: to apply science and creativity for a better world. Across our business divisions, we’re on a mission to Do More Good for our people, customers, and communities.
To us, “nourish” means “to feed with purpose” — and we’re here to redefine the industry by nourishing people, products, and our planet. Every day, our teams are boldly reimagining and pioneering the next generation of food and beverage experiences. We’re leveraging our industry-leading product portfolio, unmatched innovation capabilities, and customer-centric approach to become the partner for essential solutions.
About IFF
At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent, science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, we are an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world craves. Together, we will do more good for people and planet. Learn more at iff.com.
