Repositioning dairy products to appeal to the health conscious consumer while still providing "indulgent" textures was one of the topics of discussion during the IDFA Milk and Cultured Dairy Conference in Kansas City, MO. Tristan Zuber, regional account manager for TIC Gums, presented "Developing Textures in Emerging Dairy Markets" on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

Manipulating texture in dairy products is an under-utilized capability in part because sensory analysis of texture can be very subjective. Food scientists and developers at TIC Gums are employing language from the Texture Lexicon  to describe the attributes of texture and mouth feel that are uniquely experienced, into a measurable and standardized way. Manipulating texture effects the way dairy products are experienced.

Demand For Milk Slowing

Thirty years ago, milk was a staple product in the majority of US home refrigerators. 

But during the last decade, annual per capita consumption of milk dropped by over two gallons. Other beverages compete successfully with milk in the early morning and throughout the rest of the day. Innovation will be the key to the successful future of dairy based beverages and manipulating texture is part of the equation.

Re-Invigorating Dairy

In keeping with the emphasis on health, yogurt sales have surged. Spoon and drinkable yogurt with fruit, granola and other flavored additions contribute to the marketability and enjoyment consumers need to make repeat purchases.

Using Texture To Stay Ahead

Dairy product designers and development scientists can add value and positive distinctions to their products by manipulating texture, even slightly. The best designs are those that include the plan for texture early in the development process. "It's very hard to add texture back into finished products if fat and sugar are reduced," said Zuber. "Texture is as important to the acceptance of dairy products as is flavor. And there are ways to manipulate it to fit the types of products under development."

For example, a beverage for recovery after a vigorous work-out needs to be experienced as light and refreshing, not heavy or indulgent. Using the TIC Gums Lexicon of terms provides food designers with the language needed to describe the types of quality needed. "The first step to engineering the right texture for future dairy products is to use the most descriptive language possible, and agree on those terms," Zuber said. "Utilizing our lexicon to determine texture targets will help reduce the time it takes to develop successful products and also drive likeability in the finished product. More successful product launches are also achieved."

About TIC Gums

TIC Gums is a global leader in advanced texture and stabilization solutions for the food industry. Food and beverage companies rely on TIC Gums to improve the texture, stability, consistency, nutritional profile, and shelf appeal of their products. Legendary customer service, high quality standards, and the unrivaled knowledge of our Gum Gurus^® has made TIC Gums the industry leader for more than 100 years.