Product examples
Omega-3 can be added to all sorts of foods to provide a fortified product. It's popular with consumers as a functional ingredient, making it successful as both a dietary supplement and a food additive.
Dairy products
Dairy products
Dairy products have been proven to be particularly suitable for fortifying with omega-3, in terms of both ingredient compatibility and popularity with consumers.
Other advantages that dairy products offer is their short shelf life and the fact that they're usually stored cold, which helps to maintain the stability of the omega-3.
In addition, fortified dairy products have been available for some time. Consumers are familiar and comfortable with the concept, whether probiotics, vitamins or omega-3 have been added.
Omega-3 can be easely added to spreads and butter.
Consumers also relate margarines and spreads to health products. They expect them to be enriched with additives or to offer special benefits, such as lowering cholesterol.
Typical omega-3 fortified dairy products include:
- yoghurt (spoonable/drinkable)
- milk drinks
- fresh and UHT milk
- margarines and spreads.
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Baked goods
Baked goods
Bread plays a central role in the Western diet. Innovative ingredients such as omega-3 are used by the bakery industry to offer products with added health benefits.
High quality fortified breads are increasingly popular with consumers and for addressing dietary deficiencies. They're a good vehicle for providing EPA and DHA at adequate levels.
In terms of other baked goods, Mintel's 2007 Cakes and Pies Report said that around 63% of consumers 'who eat cakes or pies would like to see healthier versions of those same baked goods on the market'.
They would also pay more for 'healthier' items according to Industry Trends.
Other advantages of fortifying baked goods include:
- different ways of adding omega-3 to the manufacturing process have been approved
- the added nutrients are distributed evenly throughout the product
- products have a short shelf life.
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Ready meals
Ready meals
Modern lifestyles often leave little time to plan and cook balanced meals that provide the essential vitamins and minerals that people need on a daily basis.
Even ready meals can get healthier by adding omega-3.
As a result, more consumers are choosing prepared, processed meals. Food manufacturers have recognised this trend and are developing more attractive, healthier products.
In addition, processed foods are often fortified to restore nutrients lost in their production. They can also be fortified to increase a product's added nutritional value or to create a new product.
Infants and young children are one of the groups at risk of dietary deficiencies. They need a high level of nutrients, but their food choices are limited and the amount they consume is relatively low.
However, prepared products such as fish fingers are very popular with children. By offering omega-3 enriched products, parents can ensure that they receive their full nutritional needs.
Find out more about our range of MARIS OMEGA-3 ingredients for food.
Cereals
Cereals
Cereal products such as breakfast cereals (e.g. muesli) and cereal bars can also be successfully fortified with omega-3.
By fortifying their products, food manufacturers can make previously sugary or 'unhealthy' items more attractive to health-conscious consumers. Adding omega-3 can increase a product's added nutritional value or even create a new offering.
Cereal products and snacks are also popular with children, one of the groups at risk of dietary deficiencies. They need a high level of nutrients, but their food choices are limited and the amount they consume is relatively low.
However, by choosing omega-3 enriched products, parents can ensure that their children receive their full nutritional needs.
Find out more about our range of MARIS OMEGA-3 ingredients for food.
Sweets
Sweets
The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids can very valuable in products for children. Manufacturers can develop interesting and attractive sweet products with excellent market potential.
Sweets fortified with omega-3 are very successful in the European Union (EU) market. The Smartfish brand, for example, consciously promotes its products' fishy origins and was created for young target groups.
In Germany, fortified sweets have been popular for some time. The "Nimm2" brand is fortified with vitamins and has for many years enabled mothers to offer their children a healthy sweet.
Drinks
Drinks
Beverage manufacturers have previously found it a challenge to fortify drinks with omega-3 fish oils due to the ingredient's 'fishy' taste and smell.
However, technological advances means that omega-3 ingredients with a neutral sensory profile are now available. This means that omega-3 can be added to various beverage products, with one of the most popular being fruit juice.
Globally, the market for omega-3 enriched drinks is growing steadily. A key advantage is that these products can be marketed to consumers of both genders and all ages.
Find out more about our range of MARIS OMEGA-3 ingredients for food.
