News

Dow introduces WELLENCE FR

13 May 2016

Dow Food Solutions says it is helping to meet growing market demand by introducing a new product line called WELLENCE Fat Reduction (FR) from a new, state-of–the-art production line.

Dow Food Solutions says it is helping to meet growing market demand by introducing a new product line called WELLENCE Fat Reduction (FR) from a new, state-of–the-art production line. The growth is driven, the company says, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s anticipated expansion of required calorie labelling for restaurants and retail food establishments, coupled with a general increase in health consciousness among consumers, driving an even greater need for manufacturers to reduce fat claims on their products.

The Midland-based site allows for greater production capacity of the now commercially-available WELLENCE FR, a patented technology to decrease the amount of fat and oil uptake in fried foods. With the food industry looking to meet the demands of more health-conscious consumers, the plant-based functional food ingredient facilitates fat reduction without a corresponding loss in the food’s sensory profile, according to Dow.

“Investing in this enhanced production facility underscores our long-term commitment in bringing innovations like WELLENCE to the food market,” said Marc Van Gerwen, business director for Dow Pharma & Food Solutions. “Consumers are looking for healthier food options and we can help our customers meet this demand with a tailored option that’s easy to implement. The new technology can be incorporated into production and yield great results from bench top - to pilot plant - to full scale production runs.”

When added to a batter or coating system, WELLENCE FR is said to be able to decrease fat (and associated calories) by 35 percent or more through reducing the oil uptake during frying. The process is claimed to have minimal impact on the sensory profile of foods so that the full-fat flavour and crisp texture are maintained.

“WELLENCE FR can help food manufacturers position their products as more health- conscious and still give the consumer the flavour and texture that they associate with their favourite fried foods,” said Chris Spontelli, Marketing Manager for Dow Food Solutions.