Danisco pushes probiotic straw range

Danisco is using major trade shows in Europe and Asia to boost exposure of the probiotic straws it launched last year in conjunction Australian firm, Unistraw.

At the Food Ingredients Asia show in Bangkok and Drinktec in Munich, Danisco is focusing on the weight management potential of the probiotic straws that employ its HOWARU probiotic strains.

In a presentation, Danisco will cover various approaches to calorie control including reducing calorie intake, fat, GI, carbohydrates, and sugar and highlight the benefits of the product that has been submitted as ‘Best health initiative’ for the Beverage Innovation Awards.

The system works by using dry stable ‘Unibeads’ on filters at both ends of the straw. These beads are dissolved through liquid passing through the straw, delivering additional probiotics to a consumer along with the beverage inside the pack.

Unistraw says the system allows drinks makers to package beverages without the need for refrigeration for up to twelve months.

Tetra Pak has also been involved utilizing its Brik Aseptic cartons, providing a triumvirate of companies providing the delivery mechanism, the package and the ingredients.

“The Howaru Straws are proving to be a convenient dry format, ideal for ensuring the delivery of a highly stable dose of probiotic live bacteria, without requiring chilled storage or distribution,” said Danisco BioActives president Saadane-Oaks.

Euromonitor put the global market for probiotic dairy drinks at about $10.2bn in 2007. Asia and Europe, which hold 54 per cent and 30 per cent respectively of the overall market.

Other launches

Drinktec will also see the launch of Extract4Life – an umbrella brand of healthy extracts such as white grape, fermented soya bean extracts, and in the future, apple extracts.

The company will be showing off a flavoured water it is “rich in antioxidants while preserving the fresh appearance of water”.