Lus addresses keto demands with vegan omega 3, 6 and 9 functional powders

11 Mar 2021 --- Netherlands-based Lus Health Ingredients (Lus) is unveiling a new line of vegan functional fat powders within its acacia-based portfolio. 

The company’s nutritional oils and fats can be used in a range of applications, among which the trending ketogenic diet NPD stands out the most. 

“These high-fat, no-sugar ingredients help those following a keto diet to stay in ketosis, which can help burn (visceral) fat,” René van Hoorn, founder and CEO of Lus, tells NutritionInsight.

Van Hoorn says these ingredients are easy to formulate with due to technology that allows for free-flowingness and dispersibility.

When it comes to challenges in development, van Hoorn notes that the most tricky part of the process was getting to a high-fat load powder but keeping a free-flowing powder. 

“This is done with a unique spray drying technology combined with specific acacia gum that makes sure oil fat droplets are encapsulated properly and dried in the best way possible,” he explains.

The powders can be used in coffee, bakery products, sports nutrition products or added to functional foods.

The ingredients can be used in a range of applications, including ketogenic NPD.Moreover, Lus developed a range of private label keto formulations under its own brand to showcase the potential applications of the powders.

Tapping into clean label
Fat powders are not new to the market, yet for years they have been based upon dairy, glucose syrups, maltodextrin and many other ingredients that most consumers do not want or need. 

The development of acacia-based fat powders cleared the way for label-friendly products, with just two main ingredients and, when necessary, antioxidants, the company supports.

“We launched our branded Palm free MCT oil powder line, Veganergy, a year ago, which is found in many (meal) shakes, sports nutrition products and diet products.” 

“With several clients wanting to enrich their products with omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, we started working on our new range. We wanted this range to also be free from sugar and maltodextrin, fitting in every lifestyle, including keto,” says van Hoorn.

Lus now offers Veganergy MCT powder 6040, Veganergy MCT powder Pure C8, Sunflower oil powder, Avocado oil powder and Flaxseed oil powder. 

“What you will never find in our powders is silicon dioxide. The use of silicon dioxide often leads to having unwanted nano-particles and is being looked into by several regulatory bodies including EFSA,” notes van Hoorn. 

“We know there are suppliers that add silicon dioxide to improve free-flowing properties and often don’t even mention it on the ingredient list. That is simply wrong, but also not necessary if using the right technology, as we do at Lus.”

A booming market
The low-carb, high-fat market has grown significantly over the last few years, the company supports. 

In the US, keto-friendly products have already become mainstream, and an expanded range of products are available in supermarkets. This trend continues to find its way into Europe. 

“MCT-rich products are well-recognized by health-oriented end consumers to impact fat loss, improve cognitive functions and increase energy,” says Lotte Damen, business developer and dietician at Lus. 

The company sees growing popularity in the use of fat-based powders, but the demand for turn-key private label low-carb products is growing even faster. 

“We have seen an enormous market growth in Europe with some clients growing 500 percent in 12 months, with most of this growth seen in the e-commerce channel.”

To support our customers, we developed a number of science-based formulations that fit with current consumer needs and trends. These formulations are available off-the-shelf or can be easily adapted to perfectly fit any brand.” highlights Damen. 

By Kristiana Lalou