Getting clear on “clean”

From “Free from” claims to “Where’s it from?” transparency statements, the idea of clean labeling continues to evolve. But despite the ambiguity, it’s an idea that remains top of mind for consumers. In fact, even with recent high inflation and cost-of-living pressures, the number of folks willing to spend more for cleaner labels increased between 2022 and 2023 (Innova Health & Nutrition Survey, 2023). The interest is higher now than it has been in the last 10 years (Innova Market Insights)!

Source: ©Shutterstock

But what exactly are they looking for? One out of 2 global consumers say that the use of natural ingredients is important. It’s one of the top three things they associate with a clean label, right alongside absence of additives and environmentally friendly positioning. However, only 6% of new food and beverage products are making a clean preservation claim (Innova Market Insights). That presents a major opportunity for meat producers who learn to harness the power of nature to preserve and protect their products. 

The rise of plant-powered preservatives 

Common synthetic preservatives like nitrites, nitrates and sorbates are so prevalent because of their low cost and potent antibacterial activity. But they’re under increased scrutiny by consumers, who are weighing potential health concerns and voicing their preference for natural ingredients and no additives. Natural alternatives like extracts from vegetables, herbs and fruits  have been tested for years, with a demonstrated ability to extend shelf-life and inhibit growth of microorganisms. The problem has been that they sometimes do it at the expense of altering food sensory properties, including flavor, color and texture.

So, what’s a consumer-savvy producer of meat products to do? Many are turning to the expert guidance of a supplier partner that specializes in developing superior sensory experiences through natural ingredients.

FFP: Fueling a new era of natural nourishment

With proven, plant-powered solutions for replacing synthetics in meat and poultry products, FFP is uniquely equipped to protect and extend your shelf life naturally. We exist to guide, inspire and empower customers in the creation of category-leading clean label foods that capture the power of nature.

FFP’s proven portfolio of natural meat cures, phosphate replacements and natural antioxidants have helped formulators in the meat space throughout the years. Our most recent breakthrough ingredient, VegStable® Secure, a celery-based natural antimicrobial, will take your application to the next level.

Source: FFP

Studies of VegStable® Secure’s effectiveness found that it outperforms synthetics as protection from pathogens and spoilage, including Listeria monocytogenes in turkey, ham and hot dogs, as well as Salmonella and Staphylococcus in chicken. What’s more, it does it with no sensory impact.

Whether your path to clean label meats involves VegStable® Secure or one of FFP’s many other naturally sourced functional ingredients—like recently patented VegStable® Plus, a phosphate replacement made from rice bran extract—the experts at FFP are ready to host you in our Florida meat center to dial in your natural fit.

Learn more.