dsm-firmenich experts discuss new omega-3 partnership with SCN BestCo

11 Mar 2024 --- The recently announced partnership between dsm-firmenich and SCN BestCo sets out to create a new omega-3 gummy product. Today, Nutrition Insight discusses the endeavor with dsm-firmenich’s Chris Kalodis, North America marketing manager and Zhenbo Ma, Ph.D., manager of applications and technical, to discuss the endeavor.

“Now more than ever, consumers are looking for solutions that combine the essential with the desirable, which is highlighted by gummies’ continued rise in popularity,” Kalodis tells us. 

“However, the delicate nature of omega-3 ingredients poses a challenge for formulators aiming to deliver health benefits that require significant levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in gummies while preserving their sensory qualities,” she continues.

“The collaboration between dsm-firmenich and SCN BestCo opens the door to omega-3 gummies with doses surpassing 400mg of EPA+DHA per two-piece serving, providing consumers with a flavorful alternative to traditional softgels.”

Powder Loc technology makes the omega-3 powder heat, pH and shear stable, allowing for successful incorporation into several applications, namely gummies.Tech innovation
Omega-3 gummies are difficult to achieve due to the sensitivity of some omega-3 acids, in particular EPA and DHA. To address this issue, dsm-firmenich utilizes its Powder Loc technology. 

“Powder Loc technology allows for significantly higher omega-3 loading in powders, while offering a double shell protection system — keeping the DHA and EPA locked into the microcap while maintaining the sensory properties of the gummies,” Zhenbo explains.

“The Powder Loc technology makes the omega-3 powder heat, pH and shear stable, allowing for successful incorporation into several applications, namely gummies.”

Meanwhile, Kalodis highlights dsm-firmenich’s process of precision fermentation involved in the manufacturing of its life’sOmega solutions.

“life’sOmega is a high potency algal produced in our USA FDA cGMP inspected facility, allowing us to offer our customers consistent, high-quality products,” Kalodis underscores.

“Due to dsm-firmenich’s significant investments in algal omega-3, our enhanced life’sOmega portfolio is sourced with scalability in mind, fulfilling nutritional needs while positively impacting the global environment. ife’sOmega is manufactured using proprietary precision fermentation of natural, non-GMO algae, with multiple production locations ensuring a reliable supply.” 

Why gummies?
Kalodis asserts that consumer preferences are driving the two companies’ interest in bringing forward new gummy innovations to the omega-3 supplement space. 

“Gummies, as a delivery form, are quickly rising to become a top preferred supplement form — even overtaking pills in some segments,” he argues. “There has been a market need for enjoyable alternate forms of omega-3 that can rival pills.”

“However, most omega-3 gummies available today can only deliver low levels of omega-3. The partnership between dsm-firmenich and SCN BestCo combines the latest in gummy capabilities and omega-3 ingredient technologies to offer consumers gummies with significantly higher levels of omega-3s.”

Kalodis points to dsm-firminech’s experience in the algal omega-3 category and access to refining technologies as vital to ensuring the company’s oil products “meet and exceed” global regulatory and quality requirements.

“Safety and quality are core to dsm-firmenich’s DNA, and our safety record is unparalleled in this space. We understand that every ingredient we produce ends up being consumed by people around the world and we take this responsibility very seriously,” he comments.

“life’sOmega is the only commercially available plant-based omega-3 that delivers EPA and DHA from a single quality source and offers attractive economics, significantly closing the historical 8- 10x price premium vs fish oil,” Kalodis concludes.

By Milana Nikolova