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Vitifresh: A clean label solution for food protection

Vitifresh, an upcycled grape extract from Spain, offers powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, extending food shelf life naturally and supporting clean label trends.

Consumer demand for safe, natural, and transparent food solutions is stronger than ever. Shoppers want products free from synthetic preservatives while still maintaining freshness, taste, and safety. In this context, Vitifresh emerges as a groundbreaking solution: a 100% natural, upcycled grape extract with proven antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

What is Vitifresh?

Vitifresh is derived from the seeds and skins of grapes, co-products of the wine industry. By transforming this co-product into a high-value food ingredient, Vitifresh aligns with sustainability and circular economy principles. It is produced using water extraction, free of solvents, ensuring a clean and environmentally friendly process.

The extract is rich in polyphenols (particularly flavan-3-ol, OPCs, and anthocyanins) which are powerful natural antioxidants. These compounds protect foods against oxidation and microbial spoilage while maintaining their sensory qualities.

Antioxidant power

Food oxidation leads to rancidity, discolouration, and unpleasant tastes, directly impacting product quality and shelf life. Vitifresh combats this by neutralising free radicals and chelating metals that catalyse oxidation.

Scientific studies have shown that Vitifresh can be up to seven times more effective than common synthetic antioxidants, such as BHT and sodium ascorbate. Compared with natural options like rosemary extract and vitamin E, Vitifresh also demonstrates superior performance in reducing lipid peroxidation and preserving colour.

Antimicrobial properties

Beyond its antioxidant capacity, Vitifresh has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens including E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Its polyphenols disrupt microbial cell membranes, limiting bacterial growth and contributing to food safety.

This dual action – antioxidant and antimicrobial – makes Vitifresh an effective solution in natural food preservation.

Proven organoleptic excellence

A frequent challenge with natural preservatives is their potential to alter flavour, aroma or appearance. Vitifresh overcomes this hurdle. Independent trials in meat and bakery products show no significant differences in taste, smell, or colour between Vitifresh-treated samples and control products. Consumers reported equal acceptance, confirming that Vitifresh protects food without compromising sensory quality.

Applications across food categories

Vitifresh’s versatility enables its use in a wide range of food and beverage products, including:

- Processed meats;

- Dairy and plant-based alternatives;

- Bakery and confectionery;

- Beverages;

- Sauces and dressings.

Recommended dosages range from 100 to 1,000ppm, depending on the food matrix and application. Alvinesa’s R&D team provides support to optimise formulation and achieve the best preservative performance.

A sustainable and clean label ingredient

Vitifresh reflects the growing consumer preference for natural and clean label ingredients. As a Mediterranean product from Spain, it carries strong appeal in global markets seeking transparency, traceability, and sustainability.

Key benefits include:

- 100% natural and solvent-free production;

- Upcycled from grape co-products, contributing to zero waste;

- Stable under heat, light, and pH variations;

- Clean label positioning, free from artificial additives.

Scientific and industry validation

Multiple trials confirm Vitifresh’s effectiveness. In meat applications, Vitifresh extracts outperformed commercial antioxidants, reducing rancidity and extending shelf life even under challenging storage conditions. In bakery trials, it prevented mold growth and preserved texture, taste, and appearance.

These results underline its potential as a natural alternative to conventional preservatives, supporting both food safety and consumer trust.

Leading the future of natural preservation

By combining sustainability, scientific validation, and functional excellence, Vitifresh represents a new era of food protection. It enables food manufacturers to meet consumer demands for clean label, safe, and high quality products while contributing to environmental responsibility.

As the demand for natural and sustainable ingredients grows, Vitifresh stands as a leading solution – bridging the gap between performance and clean label expectations.

This piece of content is provided by an advertiser or created on behalf of an advertiser. The views or opinions expressed in this piece of content do not reflect those of Informa.