Tate & Lyle extends clean-label offering with tapioca starch

Tate & Lyle has extended its clean-label offering with the addition of a new tapioca-based starch.

The Claria Bliss starch will be available in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, where it will help manufacturers to meet growing consumer demand for clean-label products. Market research shows that clean-label definitions in the chilled desserts and ready meal categories increased by 54% and 39% between 2014 and 2016.

Claria Bliss has functionalities like modified tapioca starches; with tolerance to shear, heat and acid, even under extreme conditions like ultra-high temperatures (UHT) and homogenisation, its makes it easier for food manufacturers to develop products with cleaner labels and differentiated texture. 

Yves Maltête, vice-president of global product management and texturants for Tate & Lyle, said: “At a time when 86% of European consumers regard food and beverages as processed if they contain ingredients they don’t recognise, Claria Bliss can help manufacturers maintain great taste in their products. It will also allow them to simplify their ingredient list in a variety of applications, including delicate dairy desserts, clear sauces, chilled ready meals or filling of fresh baked goods.”

Claria Bliss delivers on the growing tapioca-based starch trend, which has seen launches of products including tapioca ingredients increasing on average by 25% each year since 2010. Tapioca is popular among manufacturers and consumers for its clean flavour and colour, soft gel texture and non-GMO and gluten-free attributes.

Claria Bliss thickens and sets to form a soft, translucent gel that is especially desirable in applications like a dairy custard or in speciality sauces.

“There is an enormous opportunity for our customers around the world to simplify ingredient lists and take advantage of demand for cleaner label products,” Maltête added. “We want to partner with our customers to help them meet these challenges, and retain their competitive edge locally and globally. With our expanded Claria line now including Claria Bliss, it’s easier than ever to make that a reality.”