Products already on the market containing Epogeeinclude enrobed caramel clusters and a fast-growing low-calorie ice cream brand delivering asuper-premium creamy mouthfeel,Epogee chief commercial officer Jayme Caruso told reporters in a briefing on Wednesday.
We have a customer about to launch a peanut spread and a chocolate hazelnut spread with EPG and we expect to see many more products hitting the market with EPG in the coming months.
EPG (esterified propoxylated glycerol) which be listed on food labels as EPG (modified plant-based oil) - can be used to replace up to 85% of the fat in scores of applications from confectionery to baking mixes, said Caruso, who said the FDA had just confirmed it had no objections to extending a GRAS determination for EPG to include potato chips, corn-based savory snacks, chicken nuggets, plant-based protein products, dairy analogs, and beverages/beverage bases.
To make EPG, the company splits rapeseed oil (although other vegetable oils can also be used) into glycerin and fatty acid, inserts a food-grade link, and reconnects them (see box below for details).
The modified fat (EPG) has a high melting point of 102F, which means that it doesnt liquify when it passes through the body (which typically has a temperature of around 98.6F) and has the consistency of soft candlewax, Caruso told FoodNavigator-USA.
It largely resists digestion because digestive enzymes are prevented from breaking it down, so hardly any of its calories are released, added Caruso, who is talking to potential partners from leading CPG brands to disruptive startups.
To put this into perspective, 1g of fat contains 9 calories, while 1g of Epogee contains 0.7 calories.
Unlike Olestra (which had a lower melting point and messy side effects) or fat replacers made from sugars, gums, starches or fibers (which provide bulking, humectancy and mouthfeel but many firms dont want to include on the ingredients list), EPG functions like fat in food products and in the human body because its made from fat, said Caruso.
In a nutshell, he said, EPG is unique in the food formulation space because its analternative fat, not a fat substitute EPG looks feels, tastes, and functions like fat because its made from fat, it just doesnt deliver the calories.
While fat reduction and replacement might have been all the rage in the 80s and 90s, consumers today some of whom are actively embracing high fat keto diets are more worried about sugar, acknowledged Caruso.
But theyre also worried about their weight, and they are still paying attention to calories, and given that fat contains a lot more calories per gram (9) than carbs or protein (4), it is the easiest target to drive calories out of products, he said.
The low-fat ship sailed 25 years ago, but this is not about low fat, its about caloric reduction.
And if food culture has undoubtedly changed since the technology behind EPGs was first developed three decades ago, most Americans are still consuming more calories than they are burning off, and many of them come from fat, added Caruso.
There is currently nothing like this is on the market. We have two products, a confectionery EPG with a very sharp melting curve designed to mimic cocoa butter or fractionated palm kernel oil, and our workhorse spreadable EPG, which works in all of the other applications.
As to whether EPG would be considered clean label, theres no simple answer as this is not a legally defined term, said Caruso, although he conceded that some natural and organic brands might not be interested.
However, brands that are trying to appeal to calorie-conscious consumers are particularly excited by Epogee's potential to cut calories but also eliminate ingredients such as gums, starches and binders, preservatives and flavor enhancers that are often used in low calorie or low fat foods, he said.
The road to commercialization has been lengthy for EPGs, which were first developed in the 1980s by ARCO Chemical Company, which teamed up with Bestfoods to explore their potential as fat replacers in foods.
However, Bestfoods withdrew from the joint venture shortly thereafter, and work did not resume until late 2003 when the technology was assigned to a non-profit affiliated with Kansas State University. A new partner, Choco Finesse, LLC, was later granted development rights and changed its name to Epogee.
'Not another Olestra'
Epogee is not anotherOlestra(a hybrid molecule of sucrose esterified with eight fatty acids from Procter & Gamble that attracted a wave of negative PR over its messy side effects... notably anal leakage), says founder and CTO David Rowe.
"We got to learn from their experiences and essentially avoid some things that they did but we also have better chemistry. Our product is safer in terms of things like vitamin depletion[Epogee does not inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins], but another key thing is that Epogee is made from fat and tastes like fat.
Olestra had kind of a weird mouthfeel and for people old enough to remember the potato chips, they didnt quite taste like potato chips, but French fries or donuts made with Epogee will actually beat regular French fries or donuts[on taste/mouthfeel].
What are EPGs?
EPGs are a family of fat- and oil-like substances that resemble triglycerides in structure and appearance, but have been modified to prevent or limit their digestion when consumed in food.
How is Epogee made?
*According to aGRAS noticesubmitted to the FDA in 2015, esterified propoxylated glycerol (EPG) is produced by a three-step process: First, fats and oils are split into glycerol and fatty acids. Next, glycerol is reacted with propylene oxideto produce glycerol with propyleneglycol units (PGUs) inserted on its hydroxyl groups. Finally, the propylene glycol-substituted glycerol is reacted with fatty acids to produce EPG, which largely resists digestion because the PGUs prevent the digestive enzyme lipase from breaking down the fat.
Is it safe?
The FDA has no questions regarding the GRAS status of EPG for multiple food applications including confectionery products; frying; baked goods and baking mixes; frozen desserts and mixes; nut products (including peanut butter); grain products; pasta; granola and snack bars; sauces and gravies; soft candy; snack foods (potato chips, corn-based savory snacks, chicken nuggets); plant-based protein products; dairy product analogs; beverages/beverage bases; coffee, and tea.
EPGs have been evaluated for safety at levels as high as 150 grams per day.
How is it labeled?
Epogee - the brand name for EPG (esterified propoxylated glycerol) can be listed on food labels as EPG (modified plant-based oil).
While the word modified might conjure up images of genetic engineering (which isnotinvolved in its production), Epogee has not experienced any pushback from manufacturers or consumers on the name, claimed Caruso, who noted that modified starch is a common term on food labels.
Read this article:
Fat alternative Epogee gains traction: 'The low-fat ship sailed 25 years ago, this is not about low fat, it's about caloric reduction' -...
- Main Show Only - Genetic Engineering - Coast to Coast AM - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- RTPB | Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Stop Monsanto From Poisoning Hawai'i: Genetic Engineering Chemical Warfare - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Informatics 161 PSA: Human Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Don't Trust Whole Foods or Other Health Food Stores For Non- GMO Foods | Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Easier Genetic Engineering! (Brainstorm Ep69) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- TEDxUCIrvine - Francisco Ayala - Cloning, Genetic Engineering, [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering in Agriculture - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Infowars Special Report : Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Glowing Rats and Extreme Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Endangered Cat Born at Audubon - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Danger of Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- AQA GCSE core science and B1 - Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- genetic engineering rDNA.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering for Human Enhancement.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering - Seven Wonders of the Microbe World (6/7) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Promising new drug target for inflammatory lung diseases [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2012]
- Mandatory GM Labeling Would Require Major Change [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2012]
- GEN reports on ocular therapeutics targeting the retina [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- Prop. 37: Another example of the perils of the initiative process [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2012]
- Genetic test predicts risk for Autism [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2012]
- Immediate withdrawal of unsafe GE corn vital - Greens [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Immediate withdrawal of unsafe GE corn vital [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- NZ out of step on GE [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2012]
- Ballot Watch: Labeling genetically engineered foods [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Just another GE mirage [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- The GM Barnyard [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Free Engine [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Cellectis Publishes Results Paving the Way for New Therapeutic Approaches against Cancer and Genetic Diseases [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Does moral decision-making in video games mirror the real world? [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Animals engineered with pinpoint accuracy [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Valley farmers fear 'modified' wording in Prop. 37 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- No on Proposition 37 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- The Dangers of Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Are inhaled medications effective and safe in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation? [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Calif. initiative will test appetite for GMO food [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Calif. initiative will test appetite for GMO food - Sat, 06 Oct 2012 PST [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- California to vote on 'genetically modified' labels [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- California initiative will test appetite for genetically modified foods [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Do we have an appetite for genetically modified food? [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Genetic labelling mooted in California [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- California initiative to test appetite for 'genetically engineered' food [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- New tool for making genetic engineering of microbial circuits reliably predictable [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Researchers develop new tool for making genetic engineering of microbial circuits reliably predictable [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- A Welcome Predictability [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Engineered flies spill secret of seizures [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Genetic 'remix' key to evolution of bee behavior, researchers find [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Can vaccines be delivered via the lungs instead of by injection? [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Food labeling regulations [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Therapeutic Antibody Engineering: Current and Future Advances Driving the Strongest Growth Area ... [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Is there a difference between GE & GMO? [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Port Townsend Food Coop: A Sad Story of GMO Crop Cross Pollination - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH! Yes to Prop 37 — it's your right to know what's in your food! - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- editta braun company: planet LUVOS (clip, 4:30) - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Mimic: The Director's Cut (Blu-ray Trailer) - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- South Park Season 1 Episode 7 - An Elephant Makes Love to a Pig - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Yes on Prop 37: Animated Video - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- The Day of the Triffids Part 1 Full Movie - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- YES on prop 37 "flashmob" march - Santa Cruz, CA Sept. 2012 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- World's Weirdest Places Discussed - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- THE CLUB OF ROME - DEPOPULATION AGENDA 21 - THE UNHIVED MIND - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- 27-Medical BiotechnologySG Part II.Gene Therapy, Tissue Engineering and Nanotechnology.mov - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- 26-Medical BiotechnologySG Part Ic. Animal and Human Cloning and Genetic Engineering.mov - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- How to Clone Animals - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3 - The Day We Died) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3 - Olivia) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3 - Entrada) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 4) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 2) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (1985) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Dendritic Cells: Biology And Clinical Applications - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Port Townsend Food Coop: "I want my food untainted by GMOs" - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Catholic Priest vs. Biologist - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Watch Real Life Superhero Muscles Like Marvel's The Avengers - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 1) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (The Final Season: "Fight For The Future") - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Port Townsend Food Coop: I Want To Know If GMOs Are In My Food - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- ProCognia jumps on expanded biosimilar collaboration [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2012]