The boom in drinkable meals and the role of thickeners

Whether liquid or powdered meal replacement, the choice of the right thickening agent is crucial. We recommend a hydrocolloid with strong but delayed thickening such as Nexira's Carolean™.

Our partner Nexira has developed a special product for thickening meal replacements: Carolean™! Carolean™ is a mixture of prickly pear leaves, locust bean gum and xanthan gum. The three raw materials synergistically increase the viscosity to over 45,000 cps, challenging even the strongest thickeners such as konjac gum.

What makes Carolean™ even more special is the delayed increase in viscosity. Carolean™ is still relatively thin after mixing, but just 15 minutes later the viscosity is 70% of the final viscosity. For self-mixed drinkable meals, it is therefore recommended to take it 15 minutes before a meal. In the case of liquid meal replacement drinks, the delayed increase in viscosity and the thixotropic properties of xanthan gum can supports filling during the production process.

The boom in meal replacements is back

Increased body awareness and the need for healthy food have long been part of everyday life and the demand for functional products is constantly increasing. These range from simple mineral-fortified drinks to specialised preparations. Nevertheless, the number of people who are overweight or even obesity continues to rise.

It is therefore not surprising that the number of product launches in the field of meal replacement products continues to rise. A meal replacement should contain a lower calorie density than a normal meal, but at the same time be able to replace a daily ration due to its special composition (see VLBE for requirements). A thickening agent is often used in such products to give the drink a full mouthfeel. The full mouthfeel is intended to improve sensory perception and physically achieve a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

Why a delayed increase in viscosity can be useful

In the case of drinkable meals, it may be desirable for the thickener to reach its maximum viscosity only after ingestion. Solidification in the stomach can cause the final viscosity to exceed the drinkable viscosity. In other words, a lower viscosity intake makes drinking or filling easier.

Sufficient fluid intake is an essential part of a balanced diet. The Swiss Society for Nutrition recommends approximately 30-35ml per kilogram of body weight for healthy, physically inactive adults.