International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) has debuted YO-MIX ViV, an “extremely robust” lactic acid bacteria culture for ambient yogurt and other fermented drinks products. The ingredient launch targets the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on China. 

YO-MIX ViV is marketed as a unique culture that allows producers to offer ambient yogurt and other fermented beverages with highly stable live cultures throughout shelf-life for the first time.

Developed with IFF’s expertise in lactic acid bacteria and fermentation, the solution is cultivated from natural fermented plant-based food, sourced in China.

“There is a long and very special tradition of fermentation in China, wher people have been fermenting food for flavor, health and preservation for thousands of years,” Morten Boesen, business line manager of fresh, plant-based, protective & meat cultures at IFF, tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

“We are honored to be able to say that our latest innovation has its roots in China, a market in which consumers understand how live cultures can contribute to overall gut health.”

According to an internal IFF survey of 1,280 consumers across China, 90 percent say they are ready to try ambient yogurts with live cultures.

Gut health demand crosses ambient dairy trend
Consumers around the world are increasingly aware that products containing probiotics and live cultures have numerous health benefits, particularly gut health and digestibility.

In China, ambient yogurt is popular as a convenient fermented snack, ideal for on-the-go consumption. It is also widely believed to be a source of healthy live cultures – a perception that drives frequent consumption.

“There has for long been high interest in gut health in China & Asia in general,” Boesen notes.

“The COVID-19 pandemic only seems to have boosted the awareness of the importance of gut health.”

“As such, consumers are increasingly interested in fermented food & beverages because of the benefits of live cultures to overall gut health.”

Traditionally, however, there have been limitations to contain live cultures in ambient yogurt and other dairy products throughout shelf life due to the manufacturing process.

“Yo-Mix ViV will help to add back life to heat-treated yogurt or fermented milk in the shape of live lactic acid bacteria, also referred to as cultures,” remarks Boesen.

Traditionally, there have been limitations to contain live cultures in ambient yogurt and other dairy products throughout shelf life due to the manufacturing process.Delivering the same performance as fresh products
YO-MIX ViV “brings out all that is best” in a traditional fermented dairy product, according to IFF.

With the new culture, producers can now offer ambient yogurt products that deliver the same level of live cultures as fresh yogurt and other fermented foods.

The result is a premium long shelf life yogurt that meets the high standards of quality and safety while delivering stable, active live cultures backed by a reliable on-pack claim, meeting the consumers’ need for a healthy everyday diet.

“YO-MIX ViV provides yogurt producers with the ability to offer consumers who prefer to have  live cultures, the sensory experience, texture and nutrition found in fresh yogurts but have been found them inconvenient to consume and with a short shelf life,” says Dr. Susan Jin, regional business leader of HMO’s, probiotics, cultures and dairy enzymes, Asia-Pacific, IFF.

“Dairy manufacturers now have the excellent opportunity to produce ambient yogurt and other long shelf-life fermented products with a live culture claim on the label,” she remarks.

“This is the latest example on how we apply our expertise in fermentation and dairy cultures to bring transformative solutions to yogurt producers.”