Carmit Taps into Demand for High Protein and Gluten-Free Snacks
29 Apr 2014 --- Israel-based Carmit Candy Industries is tapping into the trend for both high protein foods and gluten-free products, with the launch of a wafer bar made from pea protein. The product will be revealed at the Finished Products Europe Exhibition in Geneva, co-located with Vitafoods.
“We chose pea protein over other, more common protein sources such as whey or soy because of its full amino-acid profile; the rise of veganism and demand for vegan and vegetarian products; and, most importantly, because of the non-allergenic properties of peas,” said Steve Grun, CEO of Carmit. “In addition to the protein itself, we believe the carrier—in this case, a gluten- and egg-free wafer bar, is a novel and exciting way to deliver a healthy dose of protein. Plus, we coated the bars in rich, dark chocolate, making the product even more palatable and giving it a distinct and sophisticated flavor.”
Packed with five grams of complete, pea-derived protein, Carmit’s protein bar is specially formulated for the consumer who wants to curb hunger, add a much needed dose of protein to his/her diet and still enjoy a tasty, guilt-free snack within a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle. Each wafer bar provides 10% of the recommended daily protein intake.
Carmit offers this innovative wafer as a private-label product, in a variety of packaging options, for retailers, or to supplement makers and confectionery manufacturers. It is entirely gluten-free to serve multiple niches in the marketplace.
“Our team of technologists spent months developing the right balance of ingredients to incorporate the desired protein levels without adversely affecting the organoleptic properties in an allergen-free, protein-rich, tasty bar,” said Adrian Sagman VP of International Sales and Marketing of Carmit. “The primary challenge in developing this wafer bar was making sure the product tastes great. That’s not always easy when working with pea protein, as it tends to have a dominant flavor and a high viscosity. To counterbalance the pea flavor, a 60% dark chocolate coating was employed. This masks any perceived off flavors of the protein, without eliminating completely the favorable flavor attributes. The balance of filling to wafer also was carefully developed in order to preserve the crispiness and airiness of the wafers.”
This new, healthy snack by Carmit incorporates an excellent source of pea protein that is easy to digest and contains an ideal combination of essential amino acids for sports performance. Pea protein can help provide both a pre-workout energy boost and improved post-workout muscle recovery.
Carmit is a leading private-label manufacturer for gluten-free, dairy-free and fortified confectionery and bakery products. Located in Israel, Carmit has a state-of-the art facility that produces chocolate coins, toffee-chews, crème-filled wafers, cookies and lollipops.
Carmit also performs private-label development, manufacturing and marketing to North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. Carmit is large enough to provide customers with economies of scale, while being small enough to be flexible for specialty markets.
