Canadian food company prepares to launch omega-3 oil

• V�g�lip developed the technology to replace animal-derived trans and saturated fats in a wide range of products with a gel made from healthy oils like canola, flax, fish or marine oils.
• Texturized, thermo-resistant and thermo-irreversible, the gel -- also called V�g�lip -- can be blended to meet the manufacturers specific needs.
• Although soy has been used in place of trans- and saturated fats in the past, V�g�lip claims to offer vastly superior formulating properties.
• In January 2006 new legislation comes into effect in the United States that will make it compulsory for food manufacturers to label trans fats in their products.
• "Demand for technology to make better functional foods is increasing ten fold," Emilio Taddio, V�g�lip's VP sales and marketing told NutraIngredients-USA.com.
• There are two versions available: one, which does not melt at high temperatures, is suitable for use in processed meat products, sausages and burgers; the other is creamier and is intended to replace butterfats in dairy products, such as milk, ice cream, cheese and yoghurt.
• As for the hamburger, it contains 300mg of omega-3 -- enough for a food to make an omega-3 claim.
• In May it launched through Cadinal Foods, IGA and Sobeys and in July in 12,000 Safeway stores across Canada.
• Nutrinor launched an omega-3 milk containing V�g�lip in October 2004, and Safeway in April 2005.
• Upcoming products include cholesterol-free omega-3 ice cream, omega-3 hard and soft cheeses using V�g�lip in place of dairy fat, b�chamel and alfredo sauces and delicatessen products.
• Tests are also underway with three Canadian manufacturers to use the gel in place of hydrogenated oil in vegetarian patties.
• Although the upcoming opportunities are centred on Canada, Taddio said that the company is looking to expand into the US and is looking for partners in Europe.