Gelatine alternatives from Cerestar

Starch derivatives company Cerestar, recently acquired by US agribusiness Cargill, claims this week that it has met the challenge to develop a gum type that differs from typical gelatine and starch gums. According to the company sales predictions have doubled in the first six months.

Starch derivatives company Cerestar, recently acquired by US agribusiness Cargill, claims this week that it has met the challenge to develop a gum type that differs from typical gelatine and starch gums. According to the company sales predictions have doubled in the first six months.

Cargill-Cerestar's European application development team developedC*ClearSet, an oxidised tapioca starch with clarity and gelling properties that can be used as a gelatine replacement to meet Kosher, Halal and vegetarian food standards.

Hubert De Kezel, from Cerestar's application centre, commented: "Typical forthe gum confectionery market is the demand for enormous variations inproduct shapes, colours and flavours. This requires considerable flexibilityin manufacturing. There's also increasing pressure for gums with a fresher,healthier and more natural image."

The new gelatine-free C*ClearSet starch, that can be applied in both fruit and liquoricegums, is soft, clear, flexible and stable, with a medium-long texture.

Cerestar commented that it predicts the market for high clarity gums will grow forcefully asnew consumers look for top quality in combination with healthy and safeingredients.