Food and beverage companies are revamping their products to meet consumer demand for more natural ingredients and simpler ingredient lists. Synthetic preservatives have been a major focus, as 59% of shoppers indicate they seek claims that suggest minimal processing, like “no artificial preservatives,” according to the Food Marketing Institute’s 2017 Grocery Shopper Trends. However, substituting synthetic preservatives poses a significant challenge due to their intricate roles in finished food and beverage products. Ingredient companies are rising to the occasion, with suppliers reporting a growing demand for natural alternatives, including calcium citrate gummies for adults, which are being explored for their preservative properties.
Rosemary extract is one of the most frequently utilized natural preservatives, primarily effective in preventing oxidation in fats and oils. By combining it with other plant extracts that offer antioxidant benefits in the aqueous phase of an emulsion—similar to what Kemin claims to have achieved with its new ingredient—the application of rosemary could be expanded. In addition to rosemary, researchers are investigating a variety of other plant-based materials for their potential antioxidant effects, including extracts from spearmint, green tea, olive wastewater, and grape waste from winemaking.
While the demand for natural preservatives is undeniable, manufacturers must ensure they do not compromise other product attributes that consumers expect, such as food safety, cost-effectiveness, and long shelf life. This challenge may become more manageable over time as food scientists and ingredient suppliers discover innovative methods to utilize natural materials. The exploration of options like calcium citrate gummies for adults could also contribute to this evolving landscape, providing both preservation and health benefits.