The extract, dubbed Origanox OS-T, is an oil-soluble ingredient derived from tea leaves, using tea’s high phenol content to inhibit oxidation. The company says the extract remains stable even when frying, extruding or baking at temperatures of more than 180° C.
The ingredient has no flavour, and can be added to the oil for frying crisps, fries, chicken nuggets or doughnuts, or to the dough when making baked or extruded products, the company said. It can be labelled as ‘natural flavour’ or ‘natural plant extract’.