SWITZERLAND – Cabosse Naturals, a brand by Barry Callebaut, has launched a free-flowing, 100% pure cacao fruit powder, a new ingredient that can replace refined sugar in several industrial applications.
The company said in addition to its existing ingredient range of pulp, juice and concentrate, the first-of-its-kind cacao fruit powder will enable consumers to experience a new taste and texture in confectionery and ice cream.
“The most discarded fruit on the planet, cacao fruit, contains a delicious, nutritious pulp, which surrounds its precious seeds, or beans, which are harvested and used in the manufacture of chocolate,” Cabosse said.
“The upcycled cacao fruit powder is obtained from this sweet, fruity pulp, which would otherwise go to waste, and is blended with cocoa as a new carrier to produce a unique and delicious ingredient.”
The journey of the cacao fruit starts in farms in the tropical regions around the Equator. Once ripe, the cacao fruit is harvested by hand, cleaned, and opened to remove the seeds from the fresh pulp, which are the seeds being used in the manufacture of chocolate.
However, these seeds, or beans, represent only about 30% of the fruit, meaning that 70% – its pulp and peel – is generally discarded, which represents a tremendous waste.
According to William Agleys, sales director at Cabosse Naturals, the powder has the characteristic fresh fruitiness of the cacao fruit pulp and it can replace refined sugar in fat-based fillings in confectionery and ice cream.
“The cacao fruit’s zesty signature flavour is deliciously refreshing and brings complex notes and natural sweetness to ingredients, which are very versatile and can be used in several ways, including in drinks, ice cream, dairy products, confectionery, and snacks.”
Its launch also will cater to growing consumer demand for products containing less refined sugar and ingredients which are kinder to the environment.
Several innovative brands have launched products containing cacao fruit ingredients in partnership with Cabosse Naturals. Launches include BevCacao, a functional beverage that is made with Cabosse Naturals’ upcycled cacao fruit pulp
The Barry Callebaut subsidiary expects new and exciting products containing delicious cacao fruit powder too to be launched in the months ahead.
Over the past five years, Cabosse Naturals has mastered the process to create a high-quality range of 100% pure cacao fruit ingredients.
The range unleashes the full power of the cacao fruit by making use of its beans, its nutrient-dense peel, and its fresh and fruity pulp and juice. Offering food manufacturers and artisanal brands to include a new taste in their current offering.
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