“Ready for the keto comeback”: Abitec Corporation pegs keto-friendly ingredient range

15 Feb 2019 --- Nutritional and functional lipids manufacturer Abitec Corporation is “close to launching” an MCT powder on a fiber carrier that will be keto friendly and dairy free. This comes as there is huge market potential for its portfolio of keto-friendly ingredients, as the diet’s popularity continues to spike.

The keto diet is based on the premise of the body entering ketosis. The body reaches a ketogenic state when carbohydrate intake is so low that the body shifts to producing ketones to help fuel organs. The diet has been pegged as a key trend for this year, building on its popularity last year.

Strong growth has been reported in the percentage of new food and beverage launches with several dietary related claims (Global, 2017 vs. 2016). Over this period, a 76 percent rise was reported in “keto” product launches (from a small base), a 32 percent rise in “paleo,” a 28 percent rise in “plant-based,” 17 percent growth in “high in protein” and 14 percent growth in “vegan.”

Abitec’s ingredients that are keto-friendly have “been around for years,” Dr. Alice Hirschel of Abitec, tells NutritionInsight. 

“Before the keto trend took off, our Captex 8000 pure caprylic acid MCT oil was primarily used in direct-to-mouth sprays and sublingual sprays due to its viscosity, ability to solubilize actives and flavors and the functionality required for this unique delivery form.” 

“Today, the majority of our Captex 8000 MCT oil is utilized in keto-friendly products because the scientific evidence supports Captex 8000 caprylic acid as being the ‘most ketogenic’ as it increases serum ketone levels more than other MCTs,” Hirschel continues.

Abitec also manufactures a dispersible, non-GMO high caprylic acid powder, Nutri Sperse MCT C8. “Our powder is on a dairy carrier to provide a creamy mouthfeel and improve functionality to the formulation. Due to the quality and consistency of Abitec products, we were ready for the keto diet to make a comeback,” notes Hirschel.

With the companies ingredient portfolio, possible keto-friendly applications are varied. Captex 8000 MCT oil is suitable for any liquid formulation, including straight MCT oil to be added to smoothies, coffee, tea, salad dressing and sauces. It could also be used in functional bars, cookies and powder mixes.

Is keto here to stay?
Innova Market Insights data reflects a rise in NPD launches featuring “keto” claims and it has been predicted that this will continue as consumer interest in the diet grows.

Dieting brand SlimFast recently debuted a brand new line; a Keto range with eight products: two meal replacement Shake Mixes (Fudge Brownie Batter and Vanilla Cake Batter), two Meal Replacement Bars (Whipped Peanut Butter and Whipped Triple Chocolate), the indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Fat Bomb snacks, Unsweetened Keto Coffee Creamer, MCT Oil and Ketone Test Strips. 

Speaking to NutritionInsight, Naomi Cody, SlimFast VP Marketing, details how the keto range launched following qualitative research conducted by the company, which showed that the trend would continue this year.

The Abitec spokesperson also echoes this: “We are optimistic that keto is here to stay. We think keto will stick around for a while with the significant amount of ongoing research that continues to show positive outcomes for subjects on a ketogenic diet.”

Important to the sports nutrition market is the evidence that fat-adapted athletes are showing performance improvements compared to non-fat-adapted athletes, they explain. There is also evidence that overweight and/or Type 2 diabetic subjects are losing weight and improving insulin sensitivity on a ketogenic diet. Lastly, studies in the elderly and cognitively impaired show promising improvements in cognitive function and memory. 

“With continued evidence and ongoing research that a ketogenic diet improves performance and supports healthy aging, this trend is here to stay,” concludes Hirschel.

By Laxmi Haigh