Gum acacia, nutritional improvement & nutrition labels
In Europe, the Nutri Score has become a simple but essential key that food manufacturers take into account when formulating innovative products. What role can acacia play in nutritional labelling?
Did you know that the addition of acacia gum can help to improve the Nutri Score of food products ? Our research has shown that acacia gum can support the creation of healthier food products and help improve their nutritional information and labelling.
WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL LABELLING? THE EXAMPLE OF EUROPE & THE NUTRI SCORE
The Nutri-Score, also called 5-Colour Nutrition label, is a european rating system displayed on food products in order to convey information on the nutritional quality of foods. It takes into account both nutrients to limit (calories, saturated fat, sugars and salt) and elements to favour (fibre, proteins, nuts, fruits and vegetables).
Food products are assigned a colour (from green to red) and letter from A (healthier) to E (less healthy) based on the resulting score, calculated per 100g or 100ml. As a science-based front-of-pack nutrition label, the Nutri Score helps consumers make healthier food choices.
The Nutri Score is now available in France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. But other countries have nutrition labelling that are equivalent, such as Australia and New Zealand and their ‘Health Star Rating System’ composed of 5 stars.
Nutritional labelling is very much liked by consumers, as it is one the best tools they have at their disposal to make informed, healthy choices. For food manufacturers, the Nutri-Score is becoming a simple but essential key to take into account when formulating innovative products: it is encouraging manufacturers to improve the nutritional value of their products!
HOW TO REFORMULATE PRODUCTS : THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF GUM ACACIA
Gum acacia can be used as an ingredient in food formulations to help improve certain aspects that contribute to a better Nutri-Score. Here are a few:
REDUCED FAT CONTENT: Acacia gum can be used as a fat substitute in certain food applications, such as dressings, sauces, and baked goods. It helps compensate the effects of the reduction of fat content in a formulation with acacia gum. The overall fat content and caloric density of the product can be reduced, which can lead to a better Nutri-Score.
SUGAR REDUCTION: Acacia gum has adhesive properties and can be used as a binding agent or stabilizer in food products such as nutritional bars, to make all ingredients stick together. It will also enhance the sweetness or flavor of a product, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of added sugars used to achieve desired texture and mouthfeel, without compromising taste. Lower sugar content can result in an improved Nutri-Score.
FIBER ENRICHMENT: Acacia gum is a dietary prebiotic fiber that can be added to food products to increase their fiber content, which is one of the factors considered in the Nutri-Score calculation. Higher fiber content is associated with a healthier nutritional profile.
CALORIE REDUCTION: Acacia gum has a relatively low caloric content compared to other ingredients used in food processing. By replacing higher-calorie ingredients with acacia gum, food products can achieve calorie reduction, which can positively impact the Nutri-Score.
IMPROVING NUTRITIONAL LABELLING: THE EXAMPLE OF MULTIGRAIN BISCUITS
Biscuits are extremely popular and even though their sensory and texture characteristics can differ, they are convenient, have long shelf life and provide a great experience to consumers. However, biscuits can also have a very low nutritive value as they are generally made with wheat flour and have high glycemic index.
In this situation, fiber enrichment and sugar reduction are concrete solutions to add nutritional value to baked products in general, and meet the consumers’ expectations.
The Alland & Robert R&D team worked on the formulation of biscuits with acacia gum and measured its impact of various criteria such as sugar content, texture, appearance or sensory experience.
The research, summarized in a technical paper that can be requested for download, showed that biscuits with acacia gum are generally preferred and categorized as “high quality” in sensory analysis. Their characteristics and nutritional value are improved, compared to their control recipes without acacia gum. The addition of acacia gum is particularly interesting when combined with sugar reduction, which is today an strong requirement from customers all over the world.
The R&D team used a standard multi-grain recipe of biscuit with a Nutri Score C. They reformulated the recipe with a 30% reduction of sugar content and a 3% addition of acacia gum, which produced a Nutri Score of A.
ACACIA GUM, RECOGNIZED AS A DIETARY FIBER
In Europe, acacia gum has long been recognized as a fiber. Nutrition claims are applicable for acacia gum: either “source of fiber” or “high in fiber”, depending on the dosage*.
In the United States, acacia gum can be classified as a fibre for nutrition labelling purposes since December 2021. This decision from the FDA has allowed acacia gum to count as a dietary fibre on American Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels.
Strong scientific literature demonstrates that Acacia gum is a fibre. The FDA has agreed that acacia gum has physiological effects beneficial to human health, such as the reduction of blood glucose and insulin levels after it is eaten with a meal containing a carbohydrate that raises blood glucose levels.
ACACIA GUM, A NATURAL, VEGETAL & SAFE SOLUTION FOR THE FORMULATION OF FOOD & DRINKS, WITH A POSITIVE IMPACT ON DIGESTIVE HEALTH
A study commissioned by Alland & Robert from an independent consumer research organization established the positive impact of acacia gum on gut health and digestive wellness. In recent years, the gastrointestinal (GI) system has been linked to numerous aspects of health. Alland & Robert decided to research to role acacia gum can play in gut health, evaluate the impact of acacia gum on consumers who suffer from intestinal disorders regularly and provide scientific data that support the use of acacia gum as a gut health agent.
Acacia gum, also known as gum arabic or E414, is a natural, vegetal, safe and healthy additive used in flavours, beverages, confectionery, dairy, bakery and dietary products. Acacia gum is today found in thousands of day to day products all over the world.
Alland & Robert guarantees a minimum fibre content of 90% for all products of its range “Acacia Fibre“. Organic and other certifications are available upon request.
While acacia gum can support the creation of healthier food products, the overall composition and balance of ingredients play a significant role in determining the Nutri-Score. Acacia gum is one tool among many that food manufacturers can utilize to enhance the nutritional profile of their products.
*Local legislation should always be checked for labelling options during the formulation of food products.
Situation in Sudan: a statement from the Association for International Promotion of Gums
As a member of AIPG (Association for International Promotion of Gums), Alland & Robert relays the below statement regarding the situation of the gum acacia industry in Sudan.
April 28, 2023 – AIPG Information on current supply situation of gum arabic
AIPG members are aware of the extremely problematic situation in Sudan and sincerely hope that a peaceful solution will soon be found.
AIPG members are monitoring the development of the situation and keep in touch with their local contacts. Based on decades of experience in the Sudan business and generally as producers, importers and manufacturers of natural products from all over the world, AIPG members do not believe that the supply situation of end users of gum Arabic is at risk.
Like many other importers, our member companies keep sufficient stocks of gum Arabic imported from Sudan and other countries in their warehouses, so that possible interruptions in supply – for whatever reason that might occur – can be absorbed.
Further on, it must also be considered that Sudan is not the only supplier country for gum Arabic, as also countries like Chad and Nigeria significantly contribute to the supply continuity of the market. Thus, in AIPG´s estimation, immediate supply bottlenecks are not to be expected because of the current events in Sudan.
***
This statement will be updated if necessary.
Charles Alland appointed as chairman and CEO of Alland & Robert
On 31 March 2023, Charles Alland was appointed CEO of Alland & Robert, taking over the reins from his father Frédéric Alland. Charles will continue to develop the company internationally and diversify into new markets.
Charles Alland had held the position of deputy general manager within the family business since the end of 2017. He started his career in consulting, after studying international business. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Politics from the University of Buckingham and graduated with a Master of Science in Management from the University College London in 2015.
“We will continue to grow and diversify our business, while at the same time investing to meet our carbon reduction goals. Acacia gum offers significant development potential in many industries where natural and plantbased product choices are a key consumer trend.”
Charles Alland, CEO Alland & Robert
Frédéric and his son Charles Alland (right) in Senegal in 2019.
ACCELERATING AND EXPANDING ALLAND & ROBERT’S DEVELOPMENT
In taking over from his father, Charles intends to continue weaving family history that began in 1884. He will continue to internationalize the company and support ongoing projects, including the construction of a fourth production workshop at the Normandy site of Saint Aubin sur Gaillon. Set for completion in 2023, this expansion will increase the company’s production capacity by 50% to meet strong global demand for acacia gum – and create around 30 new jobs.
Charles will keep exploring the multitude of opportunities offered by the cosmetics market, following the launch of Alland & Robert’s DemeCare® range in 2022.
He is also set on perpetuating the company’s scientific and technical expertise by continuing the application research conducted in Alland & Robert’s R&D laboratory. He will develop fundamental research through an exclusive partnership with the Agropolymer Engineering & Emerging Technologies (Supagro IATE) department at the University of Montpellier (Agropolymer Engineering and Emerging Technologies).
Charles Alland is – and will continue to be – very involved in Alland & Robert’s social, ethical and environmental commitments, including the projects run by the Alland Corporate Foundation, which supports local communities that harvest natural gums in Africa.
FRÉDÉRIC ALLAND SETS AN INTERNATIONAL PATH
As President and CEO of Alland & Robert from 1988 to 31 March 2023, Frédéric Alland strongly accelerated the company’s international development. This success is reflected by the fact that 95% of the company’s turnover came exports at the end of 2022.
Frédéric will remain involved in the Alland Foundation. Created in 2021, the Alland Foundation acts in partnership with Tree Aid, a British NGO specialized in reforesting African drylands and a key player in the Great Green Wall project.
Founded in 1884, Alland & Robert is a French family business and pioneer in natural tree exudates. Drawing on deep expertise in gum acacia, an all-natural additive and ingredient, Alland & Robert exports to over 70 countries. To ensure the highest product quality and sustainable practices, Alland & Robert is fully committed to an ambitious corporate social responsibility strategy. This approach is based on a large network of raw material suppliers in Africa, international certifications, a dedicated R&D team and research partnership with internationally renowned universities.
Come & visit us at IN COSMETICS 2023 !
We can’t wait to meet you in person in Barcelona for IN COSMETICS GLOBAL 2023.
The show takes place from March 28 to 30 in Fir Barcelona. Our team will be there to attend. Meet us on Hall 3, boothX15.
Why visit us at IN COSMETICS GLOBAL 2023?
Discover DemeCare®, our range of natural gums for the formulation of clean, organic and sustainable cosmetics.
DemeCare®, based on Alland & Robert’s expertise of natural gums
Our innovative range is composed of products based on acacia gum, sterculia gum, and their blends which are patented. Each product offers various functional properties and is available organic and COSMOS certified.
Alland & Robert has in-depth expertise in the functional properties of natural gums, and we believe our expertise, combined with the high-quality of our products, can be beneficial to cosmetics formulators.
Natural gums have numerous functional properties…
…including properties essential to the formulations of natural cosmetic products such as skincare, cleansing gels and make-up. From mascaras, eye-liners and lipsticks to lotions by way of creams and haircare products, vegetal gums in general and acacia gum in particular, are considered by formulators as natural, completely harmless and healthy ingredients.
Thanks to their viscosity and rheological and texturing properties, they bring
stability and texture to cosmetics. They can also be used as emulsifiers in lotions or serums which require specific textures.
Stop by booth X15 and chat with us !
Alland & Robert is taking the "We Use Wild" pledge, a commitment to good sourcing practices in the gum acacia supply chain
Alland & Robert becomes the first actor in the gum acacia industry to take this pledge, proudly declaring our use of wild acacia gum and placing a spotlight on our work to create and maintain ethical & sustainable practices.
Alland & Robert proudly declares our use of wild gum acacia (or gum arabic). We constantly seek to surpass ourselves and go beyond regulatory requirements and customers’expectations, in order to be the leader of a an industry that respects human rights and the environment. This is why Alland & Robert signed the We Use Wild Pledge, created by global NGO TRAFFIC.
It is the first time that such a commitment is made in the gum acacia industry, reflecting the unique and tireless work of Alland & Robert towards sustainability and ethics, as well as the result of an ambitious corporate and social responsibility policy.
Alland & Robert is taking the Pledge on a voluntary basis, as a self-led initiative to increase awareness and responsible sourcing of wild-harvested gum acacia. The Pledge provides an action framework to take measurable action to address the biological and social risks related to the gum acacia supply chain.
More generally, wild plant ingredients are key across a range of industries. When ethical and sustainable practices are organized throughout the supply chain, wild ingredients can support rural livelihoods that can be at risk of disappearing. Wild ingredients can alos offer the opportunity to engage in conservation projects, such as the Great Green Wall initiative in Africa.
#WeUseWild
“The We Use Wild pledge means that Alland & Robert, as an organisation, supports conservation and rural livelihoods in the African Sahel, where wild gum acacia is harvested.”
Did you know?
Wild harvest accounts for some or all of the harvest of the majority of plant species in trade (between 60-90 percent)*.
TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organisation working to ensure that wildlife trade is not a threat to the conservation of nature. Their team works in and connects across some of the world’s most critical wildlife trade hotspots to identify and help address both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development challenges and opportunities linked to trade in wild species.
Come & visit us at FI EUROPE 2022 !
We can’t wait to meet you in person in Paris. We are excited to be at home for Food Ingredient Europe 2022!
The show takes place from December 6 to 8 in Paris Porte de Versailles. Our whole team will be there to attend. Meet us on Hall 4, booth F40. We’ll have some surprises to share!
Why visit us at FI EUROPE 2022?
Discover the versatility of natural gums and their numerous applications in food, dietary and nutraceutical products.
ACACIA GUM, A DIETARY FIBER
Let’s discuss the recent approval by the FDA of acacia gum as a dietary fiber. Since december 2021, acacia gum can be classified as a fiber for nutrition labelling purposes in the United States.
ULTIMATE TEXTURING
Finding plant-based substitutes to non-vegan gelling agents can be a challenge if you’re looking for that perfect texture, sensory experience, hardness or resilience. In order to help manufacturers find the right balance, Alland & Robert has researched a plant-based solution that will bring excellent stabilizing and texturing properties. Using acacia gum as well as other plant-based, natural hydrocolloids, Alland & Robert designed a new gelling agent, perfect for the formulation of vegan food products. This solution will be exclusively presented at Food Ingredient Europe 2022.
GUT HEALTH
Explore the benefits of acacia gum on gut health, thanks to the study we conducted. If you’re looking for a natural way to formulate gut-friendly products or add prebiotic effect, we can help!
Stop by booth 4F40 and chat with us !
Come & visit us at Supply Side West 2022 !
We can’t wait to meet you in person in Las Vegas for SSW 2022!
We are excited to announce that for our team will attend Supply Side West 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Meet us booth #2165, which is our US distributor Farbest Brands’ booth.The show takes place from October 31 to Novembre 3, in the United States.
Why visit us at SSW 2022?
Discover the versatility of natural gums and their numerous applications in food, dietary and nutraceutical products. Our R&D Director Dr. Isabelle Jaouen, our General Manager Charles Alland and CEO Frédéric Alland will be there to answer your questions and discuss the formulation of safe, clean and sustainable products. The Farbest Brands team will be available to discuss any questions related to sales in the United States.
This is also an opportunity to discuss the recent approval by the FDA of acacia gum as a dietary fiber. Since december 2021, Acacia gum can be classified as a fiber for nutrition labelling purposes in the United States.Strong scientific literature demonstrates that acacia gum is a fibre. The FDA agreed that acacia gum has physiological effects beneficial to human health, such as the reduction of blood glucose and insulin levels after it is eaten with a meal containing a carbohydrate that raises blood glucose levels.
Feel free to stop by booth 2165!
Alland & Robert obtains silver rating from EcoVadis following Corporate Social Responsibility evaluation
Alland & Robert obtains the EcoVadis silver medal for its CSR performance.
Alland & Robert has been awarded the silver medal on the occasion of the annual evaluation of the EcoVadis organization
Rewarded for its Corporate Social Responsibility management system, Alland & Robert obtains the EcoVadis silver medal. This score places us among the top 25% of companies rated by the platform.
This rating assesses the CSR performance of companies according to four criteria:
- Responsible purchasing,
- Impact of the company’s activities on the environment,
- Business ethics
- Well-being of employees.
This assessement from one of the most trusted business sustainability rating agency highlights Alland & Robert commitment to put ambitious sustainability policy and objectives first, and our dedication to hard work in order to implement concrete actions and practices in our company and with our stakeholders.
The EcoVadis rating platform was created to assess CSR performance. It is based on 21 criteria and 4 main themes which are: Environment, Social and Human Rights, Ethics and Responsible Purchasing via an examination of the integration of the principles of sustainable development within the activity of each company.
This methodology is based on international sustainable development standards, in particular the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the United Nations Global Compact and the ISO 26000 standard. The objective is to set up an effective CSR management system, consisting of policies, actions and results reporting. In order to fully take into account the real impacts of a company, the assessment framework is adapted to each company according to its sector of activity, its size and its geographical location.
More information is available on the EcoVadis website.