Clean label Ezimoist improves sausage succulence

The UK clean label ingredients company had previously developed a range of phosphate replacers for sliced meats and whole muscle products, called Delixivia. However, it has rebranded the range as Ezimoist to highlight its functions, and added a new specification for sausages. Phosphate is added to meat to increase shelf life and maintain moisture and succulence, as well as improving sliceability, binding and increasing yields for processors. Adrian Short, co-founder of the Yorkshire-based company, told FoodNavigator.com that because phosphate is an e-number and a chemical, it holds negative connotations for consumers. Therefore many meat manufacturers have chosen to use an alternative product to fit the desire for natural products. The functional properties of the original phosphate can be difficult to replicate such as maintaining moisture and yields. However, the UK company claims its solution is able to match the purpose of the additive by maintaining consistency, texture and taste in the finished product. Ezimoist is made from tapioca starch and has no chemicals or artificial components and is free from genetic modification. It comes in powder form, which Short claimed has cost-saving benefits for food manufacturers because it can be pre-blended with other ingredients. Other phosphate replacers Short is aware of on the market come as part of a blend. Ulrick & Short also claims the range can increase absorption when used in conjunction with marinades. "With more and more products being scrutinised for cleaner labels, food manufacturers are being challenged to deliver products with natural ingredients, whilst retaining flavour and consistency,"​ said Andrew Ulrick, joint owner. "Ezimoist meets all those requirements and has already been extremely well received within the food industry." ​ The demand for natural flavours has been spurred by a growing well being trend and consumer preference for healthy foods that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. This is coupled with increasing mistrust of artificial additives and E numbers, fuelled by recent studies suggesting their side effects. According to the company, the Ezimoist ingredient also helps maintain the appearance of the product over the course of its shelf life. The tapioca is sourced from South America, and the company has industry approved facilities to ensure traceability. Ulrick & Short was formed in 2000 and develops, designs, manufactures and supplies high quality clean label ingredients, which are predominantly used by the UK food industry. Ingredients developed by Ulrick & Short contain no chemicals or artificial components and are free from genetic modification. All of Ulrick & Short's raw materials are processed by accredited partners worldwide and the quality of the ingredients is assured by the controlled environment of the company's own development kitchens.