Ocean Spray unveils upcycled Cranberry Seeds for clean label nutritional boosts

16 Dec 2020 --- Ocean Spray has launched Cranberry Seeds, which can bolster the nutrition of products including baked goods, smoothies or snack bars. The seeds – now available globally – are upcycled from food waste, contributing toward a zero-waste supply chain.

The seeds offer 1.6 times the amount of fiber found in chia and flax seeds, which helps support digestive health.

The company notes that Cranberry Seeds contain zinc, which supports immunity, as well as omega 3 fatty acids that can aid heart health. Moreover, magnesium and zinc may also support cognitive function.  

The launch was first teased over the summer, when FoodIngredientsFirst spoke to Courtney Hendrickson, director of innovation at Ocean Spray Professional Ingredients, during IFT. 

“Consumers are looking for ways to increase their consumption of natural nutrients – Cranberry Seeds are a source of powerful antioxidants, and good for both digestive and heart health,” Hendrickson stated at the time. 

The seeds are free from GMOs, allergens, additives and preservatives. They also have a naturally vibrant red color. 

These clean label attributes will appeal to many consumers who are looking for shorter, easy-to-understand ingredient lists. In September, NutritionInsight reported how the clean label trend is now an industry staple.

Innova Market Insights has spotlighted clean label demands as a facet of “Transparency Triumphs,” its Top Trend for 2021. The market researcher notes that three in five global consumers are interested in learning more about where their food comes from and how it is made. Cranberry Seeds address nutrition, sustainability and clean label demands. 

Diversifying cranberry applications 
Ocean Spray says that this launch will offer people a new way to incorporate the cranberry “superfruit” into their everyday routines.

“Moreover, we’re proud that the Cranberry Seeds reflect not only our commitment to drive health and wellness but also sustainability and our dedication to make a positive impact on our planet,” says Courtney Hendrickson, director of innovation at Ocean Spray. 

The Cranberry Seeds are obtained from Ocean Spray’s cranberries, which have been verified by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative as sustainably grown. 

Ocean Spray farmers implement regenerative farming as they grow the fruit, using practices that support health and conservation of natural resources.

A busy year for cranberries
Cranberry innovations have been flourishing. Ocean Spray recently partnered with Amai Proteins to roll out a cranberry juice with roughly 40 percent less sugar, thanks to a “hyper-sweet” designer protein. 

Fruit d’Or Nutraceuticals anticipates that more cranberry innovation is set to come following a new ruling by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning whole fruit cranberry.

In July, the FDA also announced that it does not intend to object to the use of certain qualified health claims regarding consuming cranberry products and a reduced risk of recurrent urinary tract infection in healthy women. This was a response to a health claim petition submitted by Ocean Spray Cranberries. 

Last month, Naturex found that its Flowens cranberry ingredient can alleviate frequent urination in women with overactive bladders. 

Edited by Katherine Durrell