Capsoil Foodtech has launched a technology platform which can derive ultra-fine, water-soluble powders from natural oils. The technology creates possibilities for integrating beneficial nutritional oils, fat-soluble vitamins, and lipid-based nutrients into functional foods and beverages, the company says, as well as in new supplement formats. Prototypes will be showcased at the Natural Products Expo West on March 8-12 2022, booth #167.
The market for functional foods and beverages has grown exponentially as health and wellness have taken central stage, particularly through the pandemic era. Concurrently, growing “pill fatigue” has consumers seeking their daily nutrient boosts more naturally through foods and beverages. However, beneficial oils such as omega fatty acids, MCT’s (medium-chain triglycerides) and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, have traditionally been confined to a narrow scope of food and supplement applications due to their lipophilic nature. Such nutrients also suffered from stability issues.
“Oil and water cannot mingle according to the laws of nature,” said Itay Shafat, PhD, Scientific Director for Capsoil. “In Capsoil, we found a way of overcoming this barrier and created an advanced method for incorporating oil-based nutrients into water- based products. This opens the doors to products such as juices enriched with MCTs or ice pops fortified with omega fatty acids. Even hot drinks can get a ‘better-for-you’ upgrade by infusing them with beneficial oils, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, or hemp oils. The possibilities are endless.”
The proprietary technology takes any oil compound and converts it to a self-emulsifying powder. Unlike conventional powders, the company claims, this process results in a dry, free-flowing powder that dissolves easily in either hot or cold liquids.
The company’s production technology does not apply any form of extraction, solvent, or heat process, nor does it alter the nutrient profile of the oil. These powders contain from 30% to 60% of the oil and its bioactive compounds, and the emulsion’s nanostructured particles possess a large surface area, enhancing bioaccessibility and absorption of the encapsulated oil, leading to improved bioavailability.
“We are working with food and beverage companies to help them tailor new food and beverage applications, or find new novel delivery methods, for desired food oils or key fat-soluble nutrients,” said Shafat.
The tech could also support the dietary supplement space, enabling formulators to incorporate lipid-based ingredients such as omega 3 into dry pill, capsule, or sachet formats.
“Many consumers find it difficult to ingest omega fatty acids in oil form, or they dislike the texture of soft gels,” said Nir Ilani, CEO of Capsoil. “Consuming high amounts of MCT’s, a key component of the keto diet, is also burdensome for many consumers. Our tech allows for oil-based ingredients to be enjoyed in low, manageable doses and easy-to-digest formats.”
