IFF Debuts SEAFLOUR™ Natural Seaweed with Clean Label Properties for Plant-Based Beverages

Rhea-AI Summary

IFF has launched SEAFLOUR™, a nutrient-dense hydrocolloid derived from non-GMO red seaweed, catering to the growing demand for clean label products in the U.S. The ingredient is suitable for plant-based beverages, offering stability, texture, and nutritional benefits without allergens. SEAFLOUR™ aids manufacturers in reducing fat and sugar levels while enhancing product quality. The sourcing supports local farming and aligns with IFF's 2030 sustainability goals, including responsible-seaweed practices.

Positive

• Launch of SEAFLOUR™ addresses increasing consumer demand for clean label, plant-based products.
• SEAFLOUR™ enhances product quality by providing superior stability and mouthfeel in beverages.
• Supports local farming communities and aligns with the company's sustainability initiatives.

Negative

• None.

ST. LOUIS, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today IFF announced the U.S. launch of SEAFLOUR™, a nutrient-dense hydrocolloid sourced from non-GMO red seaweed. SEAFLOUR™ is an ideal, natural stabilizer for brands targeting a growing consumer demand for clean label products.

SEAFLOUR™, known as 'seaweed flour' or 'natural seaweed', is non-allergenic. It contains protein, fiber and minerals, and offers exceptional stability, high-suspension ability and excellent mouthfeel, making it ideal for plant-based beverage applications such as nut- and soy-based milks. SEAFLOUR™ is also kosher and halal certified.

"Nearly 40 percent of consumers surveyed look for plant-based milks with all-natural ingredients¹," said Greg Paul, Ph.D., North America category lead – Dairy & Nutritional Beverages, IFF, Nourish division. "Using natural ingredients like SEAFLOUR™ allows food manufacturers to innovate and develop premium products, thus driving brand differentiation and sales in the plant-based beverage category."

"SEAFLOUR™ has a unique synergy with plant proteins, keeping plant-based beverages stable and appealing, and providing smooth, creamy texture and mouthfeel throughout their shelf lives," said Michael Cammarata, senior beverage technologist, IFF, Nourish division. "This eliminates the need for additional stabilizers. With this single ingredient, manufacturers have the potential to reduce fat and sugar levels in their products without compromising texture or mouthfeel."

Derived from red seaweed, SEAFLOUR™ is traceable from sea to shelf. The seaweed is cultivated along the coast of Indonesia without the use of fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. After harvesting, the seaweed is simply washed, dried, and milled with minimal processing. This technique preserves the natural fiber, protein, and mineral content in SEAFLOUR™.

"Consumers expect plant-based beverages to contribute to a healthy diet," said Gisele Barros, global product marketing leader - Hydrocolloids, IFF, Nourish division. "Increasingly, these same consumers expect their beverage choices to contribute to a healthy planet too."

SEAFLOUR™ raw material sourcing supports the local farming community and is in process to be incorporated into IFF's Responsible Seaweed Program, a holistic approach to social, environmental and economic improvements in seaweed processing. This initiative also aligns with IFF's recently launched 2030 'Do More Good Plan', an environmental, social and governance (ESG) roadmap comprised of ambitious targets, including the commitment to accelerate responsible-sourcing practices for seaweed and other strategic raw material supply chains.

*2021 online qualitative analysis conducted by Mintel on behalf of IFF -- 38 percent of U.S. consumers look for plant-based milk with all-natural ingredients.

About IFF's Nourish

At IFF, we're united by a common goal: to apply science and creativity for a better world. Across our business divisions, we're on a mission to Do More Good for our people, customers, and communities.

To us, "nourish" means "to feed with purpose" -- and we're here to redefine the industry by nourishing people, products, and our planet. Every day, our teams are boldly reimagining and pioneering the next generation of food and beverage experiences. We're leveraging our industry-leading product portfolio, unmatched innovation capabilities, and customer-centric approach to become the partner for essential solutions. Let's nourish the future, together.

Welcome to IFF

At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent, science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, we are an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world craves. Together, we will do more good for people and planet.  Learn more at iff.com, Twitter , Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

©2022 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF). IFF, the IFF Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ^SM or ^® are owned by IFF or affiliates of IFF unless otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved.

Contact: 
Tatiana Ernandes
Communications Specialist
tatiana.ernandes@iff.com 
+55 11 97.281.6327 

 

SOURCE IFF

FAQ

What is SEAFLOUR™ launched by IFF?

SEAFLOUR™ is a nutrient-dense hydrocolloid from non-GMO red seaweed, serving as a natural stabilizer for plant-based beverages.

How does SEAFLOUR™ benefit manufacturers?

It allows manufacturers to reduce fat and sugar levels while enhancing stability and texture in their products.

What are the certifications for SEAFLOUR™?

SEAFLOUR™ is kosher and halal certified.

When was SEAFLOUR™ launched in the U.S.?

SEAFLOUR™ was launched on May 3, 2022.

How does SEAFLOUR™ align with IFF's sustainability goals?

The sourcing of SEAFLOUR™ supports local farming and is part of IFF's Responsible Seaweed Program aimed at sustainable practices.