Finnish dairy innovation helps food manufacturers to cater to the needs of ageing adults
Valio showcased its products at Food Ingredients Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, September 11-13, 2019.
As good nutrition has a scientifically proven link to healthy ageing, the expanding elderly population and their wellbeing provides great potential for the food industry. With the right innovations supporting healthy ageing with nutrition, the food industry can make their products desirable for ageing adults, just as the beauty and personal care industry has done.
Dr Minja Miettinen, senior research manager, research and innovations at Valio, said, “Out of all industries, I believe that the food and nutrition industries have perhaps the most significant means to ensure healthy ageing. As consumers, older adults could be described as foodies with emphasis on healthiness. We make about 200 food related choices every day, so there is plenty of opportunity to nudge older adults towards better food choices.”
Dairy fat and cognition
Valio has developed a range of value-added powders to help food manufacturers respond to the growing demand of ageing adults. The latest developments in Valio’s food ingredient solutions are showcased at Food Ingredients Asia.
“Valio Eila NUTRI F+ lactose free formulated milk protein powder fulfils the key needs of older adults. In addition to containing essential nutrients, it also gives a full taste and texture, helping Valio’s customers to formulate their products. It works in several applications, such as milk powders, special nutrition drinks, dairy drinks, nutritious food and dietary products,” Miettinen said.
Valio Eila NUTRI F+ lactose free formulated milk protein powder was introduced earlier this year at Vitafoods Europe. The health benefits of phospholipids located on the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) raised interest among food industry professionals, the company said.
“Dairy fat contains phospholipids that, according to research, are associated with positive effect on brain function in those with mild memory impairment. Phospholipids are the building blocks of brain cell membranes and therefore very important for brain function in all stages of the human lifespan, from babies and toddlers to active adults and seniors,” Miettinen said.
Valio said it has decades of experience with the Asian food market.
Timo Pajari, SVP, Food Solutions Sales at Valio, said, “Asian consumers appreciate high quality, traceability and safety in food products. They want to know where the product is coming from. This is something we can help food manufacturers with, because the production chain of our milk ingredients is completely transparent. The origin of the raw material can be traced all the way back to an individual dairy farm.”
