24/04/13

Carmit Candy Industries has unveiled what it describes as an advanced, weight-management chocolate wafer bar that utilises innovative satiety-inducing ingredients - glucomannan and a potato-derived proteinase inhibitor, Slendesta.

Glucomannan is a soluble fibre from the konjac root, which is said to be able to lower the glycaemic index of foods and beverages through its unique properties, including unusual water-binding capacity. When ingested with a glass of water, the glucomannan forms a gel in the stomach, leading to slower gastric emptying and a feeling of fullness over a long duration. In 2010, the European Food Safety Association (EFSA) approved a weight-management health claim for konjac mannan (glucomannan). This health claim is for a daily intake of 3g of glucomannan, in 1g doses along with 1-2 glasses of water. Each weight-management wafer bar from Carmit contains 1g of glucomannan.

Slendesta, from Kemin Industries, is a potato-derived proteinase inhibitor (PI2). PI2 increases release of cholecystokinin (CCK), a natural factor used by the body to signal the brain that food has been eaten, and in turn helps to trigger feelings of fullness and satisfaction. A dozen clinical trials have been performed with Slendesta, showing it has significant ability to increase satiety and contribute to weight loss. Each weight-management chocolate wafer bar from Carmit contains 300mg of Slendesta.

“This is an exciting launch for us,” said Adrian Sagman, VP export marketing and sales at Carmit. “As a private-label manufacturer, we understand that our innovations help our customers succeed in the marketplace. We have developed a highly sophisticated product for daily use, formulating clinically proven satiety ingredients into our delicious gluten-free chocolate wafer bar. The EFSA-approved health claim should allow our customers to be able to clearly communicate the benefits of the product. We’ve shown that weight-management can be both tasty and healthy.”

The chocolate-coated wafer-bars are only 99 calories each, gluten-free, GMO-free and kosher and contain a chocolate-crème filling.