Taste is Key in Confectionery Innovation
According to Ryan Branch, senior marketing manager at AAK, taste remains a crucial factor in the confectionery industry. AAK, an ingredients manufacturer, is committed to providing high-quality products to its customers while also focusing on cost-effectiveness.
Branch emphasized the importance of flavor and mouthfeel in all product developments. With the soaring costs of cocoa, AAK has turned to shea as a cost-effective alternative to cocoa butter, known as cocoa butter equivalents.
Shea, a plant-based fat, is gaining popularity as a substitute for cocoa butter in various applications such as bakery items, confectionery fillings, nut spreads, and seed spreads.
AAK recently obtained a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) approval from the FDA for its shea stearin product, expanding its usage after two decades. This versatile plant-based ingredient can be used in spreads, margarines, and other plant-based foods.
Branch highlighted the potential of shea beyond traditional uses, including in plant-based foods and bakery items. AAK is currently developing blends of different oils with shea to offer to its customers.
Shea originates from West Africa, where AAK has partnered with women farmers to enhance their livelihoods and ensure a sustainable shea supply. The Women in Shea Initiative aims to improve efficiency in shea harvesting, diversify income sources for women farmers, and promote natural resource management.
Branch emphasized that AAK’s collaboration with shea is a long-term partnership focused on empowering women farmers and promoting sustainable practices.
At a recent event, AAK showcased a raspberry truffle made with Confao 12, a non-lauric filling fat that surpasses traditional options. Confao 12 is a non-hydrogenated, non-tempering, and low-saturated fat alternative to cocoa butter, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
AAK’s dedication to innovation and sustainability is evident in its use of shea and other plant-based ingredients to create high-quality confectionery products that meet consumer demands.