Ingredion introduces first functional native, clean label gelling starch

Ingredion has introduced NOVATION Indulge 2940, the first functional native corn starch that provides unique gelling and film-forming properties, highly suitable for dairy and alternative dairy cheese and batters and breadings.

The minimally processed, functional native starch represents the latest innovation from Ingredion's clean label product pipeline, delivering novel texture and mouthfeel as well as natural claim enablement. NOVATION Indulge 2940 offers a consumer-preferred “corn starch” label, which is highly recognized and more accepted by consumers globally compared to most hydrocolloids and other common food additives for texture, according to Ingredion’s ATLAS proprietary consumer insights. In EMEA, corn starch gained 20 percentage points in consumer acceptance between 2020 and 2023, a sign that the ingredient is broadening its appeal further, across categories.

"To formulate vegan pizza cheese or coated fried products and deliver on a clean label has been a challenge in the past. Not only can we now offer an innovative solution, we can also improve the stretch or crispness during holding time, respectively” said Constantin Drapatz, senior marketing manager EMEA, Clean & Simple Ingredients, Ingredion Incorporated. “With NOVATION Indulge 2940, we meet growing clean label segments like batters and breadings and finally match the great story of more sustainable eating with a clean label.

Consumer interest on the importance of what is listed on a product label has grown rapidly in recent years, with 73% of EMEA consumers requiring products made with only recognizable ingredients, according to ATLAS. NOVATION Indulge 2940 will help food brands achieve the flexibility required by today’s health-conscious consumer, delivering a clean label ingredient that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste.

NOVATION Indulge 2940 can support cost stabilization and improved cost-in-use thanks to the ingredient’s reliable supply.