Cutting cravings: Calocurb lands support to develop non-bitter hop ingredient for weight management

15 Feb 2022 --- Calocurb is developing its hop extract Amarasate into a functional food additive that can help suppress appetite. In partnership with food research center the Riddet Institute, it is now receiving support from New Zealand’s High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge.

Operations are projected to start in early 2022 and to last approximately 18 months.

According to the Riddet Institute, the flavor of Calocurb’s Amarasate currently prohibits the use of hops extract as a functional ingredient.

“‘One of the main challenges toward the consumption of the current Amarasate ingredient in a food format is the undesirable bitterness of its bioactive compounds,” explains Dr. Ali Rashidinejad, project lead at the Riddet Institute.

“Such compounds can interact with others in the food matrix, which not only affects the bio-efficacy of Amarasate but also changes various properties of the food.”

Hops extract
Hops extract has been proven in Calocurb’s clinical trials to reduce hunger, demonstrating its potential for weight management and weight loss supplements.

The weight loss and weight management category has exploded in recent years. 

The weight loss and weight management space has exploded over the years.

Calocurb is a New Zealand-owned health and wellness company that produces “clinically proven” appetite suppressants and weight management aids. 

Currently, the company’s products retail in New Zealand, Australia and the US, with plans to expand into “key international markets.”

The Riddet Institute is a center that researches food and active ingredients, making recommendations to companies with its studies.

Rise of the weight loss category
According to Innova Market Insights, the weight loss and weight management industry has grown exponentially over the past few years, and noted last July that 71% of respondents to a survey described functional nutrition and ingredients as “important” or “very important”  in their dietary choices. 

In addition to cultural influences, this trend is boosted by the rise in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, especially in developed countries.

In September, Lallemand Health Solutions unveiled a probiotic solution for weight management, which also had the potential to support mental well-being.

However, companies should be warned that the weight loss supplements industry is not a totally free space. Recently, California moved forward with a ban on over-the-counter weight loss supplements for minors. This could signal further legislation may be coming to the weight management space. 

Edited by Olivia Nelson