p> The market for yeast extract based flavour enhancers has been growing as manufacturers increasingly move away from including HVPs in their food products.
"Several large supermarket chains had HVP's removed from their products as they were said to contain dichloropropanols which are suspected to be carcinogenic. This has been achieved by manufacturers including a yeast extract based flavour enhancer which can deliver the umami effect similar to MSG and enhance flavour impact and perception, " said Overseal in a statement this week.
Yeast extracts differ from inactive dried yeasts as they hold a much higher ribonucleotide content and are completely soluble. This is achieved through extracting the protein fraction held within the yeast cell which is then clarified and dried. The empty cell sac normally present in inactive yeast is then removed. This leads to a completely water soluble product.
But Overseal claims inclusion of high priced yeast extracts in food products as a means of removing HVP's can cut into the bottom line due to the increase in raw material cost.
"The Yesto-Seal range has been developed to either replace or work synergistically with yeast extracts. Through careful selection of inactive dried yeasts blended with natural flavours Overseal can now offer cost effective yeast blends that not only provide excellent flavour enhancement but also overcome many of the processing issues experienced with yeast extracts," added the UK company.
The new range is targeted for use to enhance savoury flavours in snacks, seasonings, soups and sauces.
In 2001 Overseal was bought by UK company the Braes group, joining Swiss company Obipektin and UK Britannia Natural Products into the USD75 million Braes stable.