PL Thomas adds LycoMato to portfolio
LycoRed to represent LycoMato to food, beverage and functional
foods companies in the eastern US, Canada and Mexico.
LycoMato tomato powder contains 1% natural lycopene and other tomato phytonutrients including tocopherols and carotenoids.
The powder was specifically developed for use in foods and achieved self-affirmed GRAS status in January 2005.
At the time Dr Zohar Nir, vice president of marketing at LycoRed, said that the fortification of foods with tomato lycopene could "greatly contribute to the appeal of otherwise ordinary food products".
Dave Thomas, director of marketing and business development for LycoRed's food and beverage business, said that the companies will be showcasing a variety of food uses of the ingredient at the IFT exhibition in New Orleans in June, including lycopene-fortified bread products, smoothies, snacks, rice crisps and nutritional bars.
The ingredient can also be used as a natural red colorant in a variety of products such as soy meat substitute products, pasta, cereals and smoothie drinks.
Double-blind studies have shown that lycopene, a potent antioxidant, may help protect against prostate cancer and coronary heart disease, amongst other purported health benefits.
