
Healthier Fats & Why We Love Them
Balchem formulates applications with a wide variety of healthier fats. The overall acceptance of some fats being good for you has come largely with the popularity of the Keto and other Low Carb and High Fat Diets. Balchem’s healthier fats applications are highlighted below.
Avocado Oil provides Vitamin E, monosaturated fats and beta-sitosterol. According to research from Mintel, it can also improve shelf life and flavor. Balchem offers two avocado oil-based products. Our applications team can work with you to optimize either Vital Blend™ Avocado or Centennial™ 7506 which contain avocado oil for creamy, plant-based product creation.
Olive Oil is one of the main fat sources in the Mediterranean diet. It has been proven to provide heart health benefits according to research from Mintel. It can also provide a clean label for your product. Olive oil provides a low melt-point. Balchem offers two products with olive oil; Vital Blend™ Olive 7500 and 5006.
High Oleic Canola Oil is a primary component of the Nordic diet. The Nordic Diet is a way of eating that focuses on locally sourced foods in the Nordic countries. This diet is very similar to the Mediterranean Diet; however, it emphasizes canola oil instead of extra virgin olive oil. High Oleic Canola Oil contains essential omega-3 and omege-6 fatty acids. This oil provides a neutral flavor profile and low melt point. Balchem offers Vital Blend™ Canola 5002 and Richmix® 5053.
High Oleic Sunflower Oil contains a minimum of 80% oleic fatty acid. Balchem’s Vital Blend™ Chickpea 5004 IP contains high oleic sunflower oil and a high level of chickpea protein. Mintel research shows that Chickpeas, also known Garbanzo Beans, are an excellent source of plant-based protein. This product is formulated for hot or cold-water beverages and provides a smooth mouthfeel. In addition, the flavor of chickpea protein is more neutral than pea protein.
Centennial™ 7500 is another example of a high oleic sunflower oil application. It is a high-load lipid powder and contains 75% fat. It is great for cold-water systems. Sunflower Oil products continue to be used widely and have long been recognized as a clean-label source of fat in nutritional products. The longevity of this Balchem application is one of the reasons Balchem is leading the charge in alternative lipid nutrition systems in powder formulations.
Coconut Oil contains high levels of saturated fats and is high in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), specific fatty acid chain lengths that your body metabolizes differently than most other fats. MCTs are in high demand for Keto diets specifically for the perceived benefits. Due to their shorter chain lengths, C:6–C:12, MCTs travel straight from the gut to the liver and do not require bile to break down like longer-chain fats do. So, they can be used as an immediate source of energy.
Vital Blend™ MCT 7506 is perfect for Keto applications. It is 75% medium chain triglycerides, making it fantastic for Keto applications. In addition, the simple two ingredient formulation creates a very clean label. We also have Vital Blend™ MCT 5001 which is 50% Medium chain triglycerides. These MCTs are completely coconut based. This can be created using other plant-based components, such as chickpea protein or modified tapioca starch, and is customizable to your specific needs.
What healthier fats are you trying to translate to a spray dried and/or agglomerated powder? Our team would love to hear from you. Please contact us for more information on any of these applications.