ATCHISON, Kan., July 20, 2015—Product samples and information showcasing the attributes of MGP’s Arise® wheat protein isolates and Optein® lightly hydrolyzed wheat protein as partial egg replacers were a big hit at the 2015 IFT Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago last week. Other highly popular attractions included the company’s Fibersym® RW resistant wheat starch and TruTex® textured wheat protein.
High-fiber chocolate chip cookies made with Fibersym and Arise, along with meatless chicken-flavored trumpets containing TruTex, were available for sampling at MGP’s booth.
“Traffic at our booth was very high and steady during the three-day expo,” said Michael Buttshaw, vice president of ingredient sales and marketing. “Attendees who visited us and/or tasted our product samples showed tremendous interest in the quality and performance of our ingredients. They were immensely pleased with the outstanding sensory qualities of the cookies and trumpets, as well as the many functional and nutritional benefits our ingredients can provide when formulated in these and a whole host of other food applications.”
According to Buttshaw, “Each of MGP’s featured ingredients effectively address growing macro trends in the marketplace. These include protein and fiber enhancement, functional and nutritious alternatives to egg-based ingredients in the face of America’s worst outbreak of the Avian Influenza, and increased interest in textured plant proteins for producing tasty, protein-enriched vegetarian products.”
The protein content of MGP’s Arise 5000, 5500, 6000 and 8000 wheat protein isolates, which ranges from a minimum 85 percent to over 90 percent (N x 6.25, dry basis), uniquely stands out as an advantage for a wide range of bakery and other flour-based products. Combined with this benefit, the Arise isolates are low in cholesterol and offer numerous functional and processing benefits. In the chocolate chip cookie samples, 100% of the egg whites were replaced with Arise.
Among the more unique attributes of Optein are its non-bitter flavor profile and higher glutamine content compared to soy and whey proteins. Glutamine has been reported to be effective in the prevention of fatigue and over-training syndrome among active athletes, and replenishment of the body’s glycogen. Other special features and qualities include Optein’s neutral pH content and its ability to increase protein levels in finished products.
Fibersym RW, a patented RS-4 type resistant starch, serves as a great solution for increasing dietary fiber levels in breads and other bakery goods, pasta and noodles, and snacks and cereals. It possesses a clean flavor and smooth texture, and demonstrates effectiveness in blood glucose and insulin control, caloric reduction and the lowering of cholesterol levels.
TruTex is especially ideal for use in vegetarian products, as well as meat, poultry and seafood enhancement applications. TruTex possesses a unique fibrous structure that, when hydrated, replicates the look and texture of meat. Also, because it has a neutral flavor profile, TruTex doesn’t leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Therefore, the requirement for flavor-masking agents and resulting costs is reduced.
“A key consideration for formulators of wheat flour-based products, in particular, is the natural compatibility that exists between such products and MGP’s wheat proteins and starches,” Buttshaw noted. Additionally, he said, “based on the fact that there is no commercially available genetically modified wheat, food manufacturers can be assured that all of the wheat proteins and starches produced by MGP are non-GMO.”
Additional information about MGP’s portfolio of specialty wheat proteins and starches can be obtained by visiting mgpingredients.com, or calling 866.547.2122.
About MGP Ingredients
MGP processes wheat-based proteins and starches into nutritional and highly functional ingredients for the branded consumer packaged goods industry. The company is also a leading independent supplier of premium spirits, as well as grain-based food grade industrial alcohol. The Company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where it also has facilities for the production of distilled spirits and food ingredients. Distilled spirits are additionally produced at the Company’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.