While many of us made it in to TIC Gums this morning, after the weekend blizzard, several of our Gum Gurus got stuck in their homes for another day. The Farmers’ Almanac predicted a ‘bad’ winter and they haven’t disappointed. Depending on where we measured we got between 22-24″. That amount of snowfall here in the Mid-Atlantic closes schools and government offices. Here are several pictures from around our area. Share your snow stories!
GGGB: Calling All Interns!
February 5th, 2010Gum Guru Guest Blogger:
Gayle Kelly-Peluso, Organizational Development Manager
The warmer weather will be here before we know it and with it will come summer internships at TIC Gums. Each year, we offer several opportunities to students for a variety of different positions in areas like our R&D and Quality Labs and even some administrative positions. We currently have plans underway to identify what positions will be available for the 2010 summer session. Those interested in being considered for an internship should submit a resume to hr@ticgums.com.
GGGB: A Food Scientist?
February 2nd, 2010Since my years in college one of my favorite things to tell people is that I am a food scientist. Not only because I won a number of bets ‘No really, I am a food scientist’, but also because it is such a unique field. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, food science (keeping people fed) is at the base of human existence. Despite this, few people seem to have any idea just how complicated the modern food industry really is. Though shows like Unwrapped and How’s it Made have shed light onto what we do in the industry, I truly enjoy explaining to friends and family all about ingredients found in and processes used to make common foods. With the Super Bowl around the corner (and the Ravens sadly out) I know the conversation will lead to chats about work and with that the fun of explaining my job to new people. And because there’s almost always a ton of food at these kinds of parties, I usually have a lot to talk about! Between sour cream, hot sauce, icing and this year maybe even beignets I am looking forward to game day. So as you lather up the wings (hopefully with TIC Gums Xanthan and Guar Gum in there) don’t forget how much work is done before anyone even starts slaving over that hot stove. Until next time, go Saints!
Tim Andon
GGGB: Twinkies: Setting the Story Straight
January 29th, 2010Gum Guru Guest Blogger: 
Frances Bowman, Marketing Specialist
Before I listened to a podcast on the history of the Twinkie, I never dreamed that the lunchbox staple could be the subject of so many myths and rumors. Honestly, I haven’t had a thought about the snack since eating lunch in my elementary school cafeteria.
This podcast from the cheeky team at howstuffworks.com covers the history and lore of the Twinkie. We’ve all heard the story about the science project to study the snack cake’s supposedly-immortal shelf-life so I was shocked to learn that the shelf life of the early product was only two days. Even now, with all the methods of preservation available, the reported shelf life is 25 days. Snacks could live in my pantry way past that date!
And who knew the Twinkie was created to keep a production line busy during the off season for its strawberry-filled shortcake? It turns out that an executive at Continental Bakeries developed the product to fill the downtime created when strawberries were out of season.
Did you know the “Twinkie Defense” has actually been used in court? Learn this and more by reading How Twinkies Work from howstuffworks.com.
GGGB: Gum Arabic in the Lab
January 26th, 2010Gum Guru Guest Blogger: Jim Caulfield, Food Chemist
Since joining TIC Gums in 1995, I have been continually amazed at the variety of uses – both traditional and novel – that gums have found in the food industry. Most of my laboratory work involves Gum Arabic, the most ancient of gums – first used about 5,000 years ago in Egypt in cosmetics and inks – to support our customers in the beverage and flavor industries. Whether working to develop new Gum Arabic products, such as our Ticamulsion A-2010, or improving the use of Gum Arabic in concentrated beverage emulsions or spray dried flavors, or putting the latest scientific research on Gum Arabic to practical use, it is always a pleasure to help our customers make the best products possible.
Get Your Soluble Dietary Fiber Here
January 22nd, 2010Fiber is still a popular topic in the food industry and is starting to get a lot more attention in the consumer world. Consumers are just starting to understand the different types and sources of dietary fiber.
Sakharam K. Patil, Ph. D’s editorial in Prepared Foods Exclusive on Dietary Fiber discusses key benefits, sources, and the future of dietary fiber on the diet. Dr. Patil strongly suggests using a system approach when adding dietary fiber allowing for the synergies of the different fibers to work together.
We, the Gum Gurus®, at TIC Gums are experts in providing gum system solutions to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for a gum arabic and inulin solution similar to our Nutriloid® 4000 or gum arabic and guar like our Nutriloid® Fiberplus or other combination we can meet your needs. We even have 100% certified organic gums like TICorganic® Inulin LV. Visit our Fiber Enhancement page to learn more.
GGGB: Don’t Forget the Dairy!
January 19th, 2010Gum Guru Guest Blogger: Donna M. Klockeman, PhD
Dairy Food Scientist
With the New Year comes a refocus for many on health and fitness. When planning your menu selecting healthy options don’t forget the dairy products. Reduced fat and fat free dairy products are excellent sources of protein and calcium. Research continues to validate that including lean dairy products can aid in weight management. Dessert influenced flavors can be used as indulgent yet wiser selections. Consider eating an indulgent cup of yogurt or string cheese for a midday or evening snack as a healthy alternative.
GGGB: Around the World
January 15th, 2010
Gum Guru Guest Blogger:
Mat O’Connor
Director, Global Sourcing
TIC Gums has a long history of traveling the globe in its quest to offer the best hydrocolloids to our customers. I recently spent a few weeks traveling through Europe to visit suppliers prior to the Food Ingredient Europe show in Frankfurt. This was no “European Vacation” by a long shot. I traveled to 13 cities in 9 countries in 3 weeks. My total trip involved 23 different flights. Last spring, I did a similar trip through China.
These trips are exhausting to say the least; but they enable us to visit our existing suppliers and to identify new sources of material. We try to provide detailed feedback to each factory on ways that they can improve their quality and/or lower the cost of their products. It is through the partnerships that we build on these trips that we are able to buy the best products at the most competitive prices.
In 2010, I expect to continue my travels with trips to Asia, Europe, and South America.
GGGB: Reflections
January 12th, 2010Gum Guru Guest Blogger: Timothy J. Andon
2010 is finally here with many hoping the dawn of a new decade puts to rest the pains of the last one. As I look back over the past ten years, the world as a whole has gone through so many age-defining moments. And while I am curious how history will view this period of American history, I am proud of the past 10 years for TIC Gums. In spite of the rapidly
changing business environment, with its ups and downs amid global changes, TIC Gums has grown stronger than ever. 2009 saw us celebrating our 100th year in business, and we show no signs of slowing down. Between a new R&D center, growth in global markets, and this very blog, the past decade brought age defining moments for TIC Gums. I for one, am extremely excited to see what 2010 brings and am hopeful for great things in the coming decade.
GGGB: Hiring to Delight Our Customers
January 8th, 2010Gum Guru Guest Blogger: Gayle Kelly-Peluso, Organizational Development Manager
2010 is off to a busy start at TIC Gums, Inc. Following a very successful 2009, we will be adding several positions within TIC Gums during the coming year. Most of these opportunities will focus around our sales, research & development, and manufacturing departments as we seek to ensure that we are best positioned to delight our customers through both our product and service offerings. Open positions are regularly posted on our Employment Page, interested candidates are encouraged to send a resume for consideration to hr@ticgums.
RSS Feed
