How Additives Support Produce-Based Convenience Items

Convenient foods are generally regarded as highly processed grab-and-go items, but a trend toward produce-based foods is becoming evident. Food ingredient supplier Bell Chem has the additives you need to keep your produce-based convenience business successful. The categories below explain a few of the many roles additives play in produce-based convenience items.

Artificial flavoring and coloring

Fruit chews and leathers have the penchant to transform in color and flavor as they dehydrate. One bite may taste and appear significantly different than the last without the addition of artificial flavoring and coloring. Giving consumers uniform flavor and appearance by adding Sucralose, aspartame, or citric acid sells products more quickly. Even fresh fruits and vegetables along with salad kits are sprayed with additives such as ascorbic acid or sodium benzoate to maintain their flavor and appearance. 

Artificial preservatives 

Artificial preservatives are key in maintaining a stable shelf life for products. Sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate fill this role perfectly. With a naturally low pH range, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate both deter the growth of microbes in food products. Look for either of these additives in packaged fresh foods such as hummus.

Stabilizers and emulsifiers

Guar gum and xanthan gum are both long-chain carbohydrates. When added to soups and dips, they transform a liquid soup into a more substantial meal. High in fiber, guar gum and xanthan gum have the added benefit of creating a feeling of satiety to the consumer, as they expand to over 10 times their original size once ingested. Many manufacturers rely on the addition of guar gum or xanthan gum in their gluten-free baked goods to maintain the airiness of their products.

Humectants 

When foods are dry and crumbly, consumers are more likely to seek out an alternative. Adding humectants, such as glycerin, sorbitol, or xylitol to fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables retains moisture, improves mouthfeel, deters the formation of ice crystals, and stabilizes shelf life. 

When you are ready to wow your customers with produce-based convenience foods, invest in quality ingredients offered by Bell Chem. Bell Chem is a food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including a vast array of additives and ingredients. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.