IFF unlocks plant-based potential in nutraceuticals through new formulation technologies

28 Nov 2023 --- The nutraceutical industry increasingly offers vegan innovations to meet the growing consumer demand for these alternatives. However, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) underscores that manufacturers face specific formulation challenges to deliver products that meet consumer needs for efficacy and delivery formats. 

Nutrition Insight sits down with Michael Baumann, global strategic marketing manager of Pharma Solutions at IFF, to discuss how formulation technologies can overcome these challenges and support manufacturers’ needs to innovate. 

“Plant-based ingredients can be difficult to deliver, especially in softgel applications, due to complex development and formulation challenges. To successfully adapt to an evolving nutraceutical market landscape, the industry must innovate to meet consumer needs and formulation challenges.” 

“At IFF, we have achieved encapsulation success with high viscosity liquid and semi-liquid nutritional ingredients in softgel dietary supplement applications.”

Baumann says that formula technology significantly impacts the design, taste and ingredient profile of nutraceutical or dietary supplement delivery formats.

Plant-based appetites
Consumer demand for vegetarian and vegan supplements has increased over the past five years, with Baumann highlighting that 45% of consumers say they would like to see more plant-based vitamin, mineral and dietary supplement products.

Plant-based ingredients can be difficult to deliver, especially in softgel applications, says Baumann (Image credit: IFF).“Vegan-friendly options are becoming popular across diverse delivery methods, with hard capsules and softgels remaining the most prevalent systems, followed closely by gummies,” he notes. 

Natural plant-based ingredients such as curcumin — found in turmeric — and ashwagandha are gaining popularity among consumers, he adds.

Tailoring formulations
Baumann explains that dietary supplement gummies have gained popularity due to their convenience and indulgence. “However, a major concern with many gummies is their high sugar content, which can counteract their health benefits.” 

He suggests that plant-based solutions offer ways to formulate sugar-free gummies that don’t compromise the consumer experience to meet this demand for healthier gummies. 

“One approach is the utilization of tailored pectin grades, which can deliver a consistent gummy texture and appealing flavors while eliminating the need for excessive sugar. By innovating in this area, manufacturers can provide consumers a guilt-free, enjoyable way to incorporate essential nutrients into their diets.”

IFF technology range 
Bauman details that IFF offers a comprehensive range of other innovative formulation technologies for the nutraceutical sector. 

He explains that the company’s technology allows manufacturers to develop plant-based soft-shell capsules that match the performance of traditional animal-based gelatin technology for complex ingredients.

An example of a recently developed plant-based formulation technology is Verdigel SC. This carrageenan-free softgel technology enables the creation of vegan softgels. 

“Our solutions cater to modern consumers’ evolving needs and preferences by integrating various essential nutritional ingredients with our broad portfolio of products to deliver vegan dosage forms. These include formulation technologies for consumer-favored product formats, such as vegan softgels and sugar-free gummies.” 

Nutraceutical manufacturers increasingly offer plant-based products to meet consumer preferences (Image credit: IFF).Moreover, Baumann details that the company prioritizes enhancing the consumer experience through a portfolio of flavors that deliver consumer-driven and technology-enabled taste designs. 

“Furthermore, we strongly emphasize health ingredients that align with a wide spectrum of trending health categories.”

“By embracing these innovative technologies, we provide the nutraceutical sector with opportunities to meet the demands of health-conscious and label-conscious consumers,” adds Baumann. 

Adapting to macroeconomic climate
At the same time, Baumann details that the nutraceuticals industry faces several challenges as it navigates the consequences of the pandemic’s peak sales years. He underscores that businesses are experiencing a phase of adjustments, destocking and slow growth. 

“While consumers continue to purchase supplements, economic conditions may lead some to switch to more affordable options,” he notes. “This necessitates a re-evaluation of industry processes to enhance efficiency.” 

“For instance, selecting the right vegan softgel technologies can improve production rates and softgel qualities, closely resembling gelatin. This helps cater to evolving consumer demands while supporting cost-effectiveness and competitiveness.”

By Jolanda van Hal