Microencapsulation and flavour masking of nutrients in caramel powders
Innovative caramel powder technology encapsulates minerals and fatty acids, masking their flavors, and providing stable nutrient delivery in beverages. Ideal for fortifying drinks with essential nutrients while maintaining taste and stability.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages the unique properties of caramel powder to encapsulate and mask the undesirable flavors of nutrients such as minerals and fatty acids. By using caramel as a fortification vehicle, this technology aims to enhance the nutritional value of beverages without compromising their taste. The caramel matrix encapsulates the nutrients, ensuring their stability and bioavailability, making it an ideal additive for the beverage industry.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes caramel's carbohydrate matrix for encapsulation through electrostatic, hydrogen, and hydrophobic interactions.
- Stable under high temperatures, suitable for pasteurization and sterilization processes.
- Adjustable properties for desired nutrient amount and colloidal stability.
- Caramel powder is less caloric than its parent sugar and offers a unique flavor profile.
Applications:
- Fortification of beverages with essential nutrients while maintaining flavor.
- Potential to enhance the nutritional content of various food products without altering taste.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been demonstrated in a lab setting. Future development will focus on optimizing the encapsulation processes and conducting comprehensive analyses to ensure commercial viability and effectiveness.
About McGill University
McGill University is a comprehensive public research university in Montréal, Québec, known for an international community and a research‑intensive culture. Faculty and industry collaborate through shared core facilities and co‑located labs across downtown and hospital sites, with integration into a major hospital system enabling clinical research and translation. Proximity to Montréal’s established industry clusters and a vibrant innovation district give companies access to talent, pilots, and testbeds. Research is supported by Canada’s Tri‑Agency and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial and philanthropic sources. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines contracting and IP, supports licensing and sponsored research, and connects partners to startups and entrepreneurship resources.
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