Plant-based tablets and softgels: IFF to spotlight latest vegan delivery format trends at SSW

02 Oct 2023 --- International Flavor and Fragrance (IFF) is set to feature several of its offerings and present on its softgel technology at this year’s SupplySide West trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, US. We sit down with the company’s global strategic marketing manager for dairy and supplements to discuss the ingredients and innovations it plans to display at the event.

“We recognize the evolving preferences of consumers who are increasingly seeking clean label, plant-based, convenient and healthy dietary supplements,” Michael Baumann tells Nutrition Insight. “Our formulation technologies enable the creation of supplements with simple, easy-to-understand ingredients like pectin for gummies.”

“The rising demand for plant-based supplements is a trend we have embraced wholeheartedly. We offer an unmatched variety of technologies, including an innovative pectin-based vegan softgel technology and formulation support for vegan softgels, tablets and gummies. In addition, our products help dietary supplement producers to increase manufacturing efficiency, without compromising on quality.”

Tracking the trends
Innova Market Insights’ data suggests that plant-based claims in supplements and sports nutrition offerings increased 25% year-over-year from 2020 to 2021. The company also highlighted the constantly growing plant-based market as key in its Top Ten Trends of 2023. 

Baumann further reveals that, according to the company’s research, consumers want functional supplements that offer unique experiences and still taste good.

“We have taken this insight into the core of our new product development to ensure that we deliver dietary supplements with all the sensory attributes that consumers appreciate.”

He adds that IFF’s Verdigel SC technology helps customers meet this consumer demand. 

“Verdigel SC is an expansion of IFF’s vegan softgel technology platform,” he explains. “Verdigel SC enables the pioneering of vegan softgels with pectin and the carrageenan-free offering  gives softgel manufacturers the functionality and versatility they have come to expect from carrageenan-based alternatives – meaning that they don’t have to compromise on quality and performance when choosing a carrageenan-free solution.”

Plant-based performance
Baumann emphasizes that the product is designed to integrate with current non-animal-based softgel production methods, ensuring easy adoption within existing manufacturing setups. He adds that only minor adjustments to the process parameters are advised to maximize its capabilities and says that the company’s technical support team can assist customers in implementing Verdigel SC into production.

“Verdigel SC is available as an easy-to-implement and ready-to-use premix providing efficient softgel processing and it supports label claims like kosher, halal, vegan, vegetarian and non-GMO. It forms strong and elastic films, as well as high-quality thermal softgel seals allowing a large variety of formulations, as well as softgel sizes and shapes.”

Additionally, Baumann highlights that IFF’s softgel application specialist, Michael Evangelista, will give a presentation on the company’s vegan softgel technology at the Supplier Theater on the first day of the trade show (October 25). The presentation will look at the market trends for vegan softgel and producers’ application versatility and format efficiency needs.

Shifting toward softgels
Baumann also highlights that the nutritional supplement industry must consistently develop fresh solutions as consumer demands and preferences in this field are constantly changing. To that end, IFF will also focus on its other vegan softgel solutions at the upcoming trade show.

“We offer a range of plant-based softgel technologies, including SeaGel, Verdigel SC and Aquateric N100, to enable our customers to meet these various requirements,” elaborates Baumann. “For example, these solutions help with encapsulating highly viscous or highly bioavailable products and label claims.”

“We are committed to supporting plant-based gummy formulations and addressing the unique challenges associated with developing vegan and sugar-free gummies with our broad portfolio of ingredients, including Grindsted Pectin CF Premium.”

Functional formats
Baumann further adds that crafting a perfect vegan and sugar-free functional gummy requires precise formulation expertise. However, he notes that IFF’s other formats are also continuing to gain ground.

“Tablets are compact and portable for on-the-go use, offering precise dosage and formulation flexibility,” he says. “They can incorporate various ingredients and come in different shapes and sizes, including chewable formats for a better consumer experience.” 

“Plant-based binders like Avicel and Endurance are crucial for maintaining tablet integrity and enhancing the tableting process,” Baumann concludes. “Ac-Di-Sol is a non-GMO, plant-based disintegrant that efficiently controls tablet disintegration, ensuring fast action and quick delivery of health benefits to consumers.”

By William Bradford Nichols

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