Functional ingredient player Taiyo and Danish manufacturer Asiros have joined forces to create a fruit powder with “appealing” nutritional properties called CherryShield. It is part of a range of premium and organic fruit powders suitable for food supplements or functional beverages that aid well-being and digestion.

“Prebiotic CherryShield premium and organic fruit powders are ideal for virtually everybody looking for a more healthy diet and natural supplements,” Dr. Stefan Siebrecht, managing director of Taiyo, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

“Target groups include people who want to strengthen their immune system, support gut health, improve their sleep or expect strong antioxidant action.” 

Powder ingredients are well-suited to a wide range of applications, as they are easy to dose and store and have a long shelf life, he comments. 

“Sour cherries are gently pressed into fruit juice, which still contains all the fruit ingredients, including those from the skin. Then the liquid is agglomerated into a powder, together with our 100% natural dietary fiber Sunfiber.”

The health benefits of CherryShield powders are based on the ingredients of a Danish sour cherry variety and Taiyo’s 100% natural dietary fiber, Sunfiber.Since ancient times, cherries and their juice have been used to relieve various ailments. The fruit used for the new powder is the Stevnsbaer cherry, which is cultivated exclusively in Denmark. 

Ensuring optimal growth 
To ensure consistently high quality, the harvest for CherryShield powder comes from contract farming on the Danish islands of Lolland and Zealand, wher the ocean climate provides optimal growing conditions. 

This sour cherry weighs just 2 g and has the highest sugar content and dry matter compared to other varieties. Stevnsbaer cherries have twice as much vitamin C as oranges and three times the antioxidant content of blueberries. 

The polyphenol content of the Stevnsbaer cherry is also significantly higher than other sour cherries, with 2.6 g per 100 g. According to studies, plant pigments help prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress. 

Other attributed health benefits relate to the modulation of the gut microbiota. 

The secondary plant compounds have an antibacterial effect, which makes them useful for immune system support. A sleep-improving effect has also been demonstrated. 

Built using Sunfiber
The prebiotic effect of CherryShield premium and organic powders is boosted by the ISO-certified dietary fiber Sunfiber, which is derived from guar beans (PHGG) via partial hydrolysis. 

The positive influence on digestion and the feeling of satiety, and the low glycaemic index have been scientifically proven in more than 150 studies. According to the Australian Monash University, Sunfiber is certified suitable for patients with irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders as part of a low-FODMAP diet. 

CherryShield Premium and Organic fruit powders do not contain maltodextrin, which is why they can state “no added sugar” on the label. The claim “high in fiber” is also permitted. 

The colorless, odorless and tasteless, non-viscous dietary fiber Sunfiber performs the technological functions of an additive, while the solubility of the fruit powders in water is also convincing. 

The decisive factor here is the agglomerate structure created when the fruit juice is dried with dietary fiber. 

The dietary fiber can be coated with additional active ingredients, such as coenzyme Q10, magnesium or zinc. CherryShield is gluten-free, certified GMO-free and vegan. The products are tested for polyphenols and DNA in the Canadian TRU-ID certification program to ensure the highest possible purity.

Immunity spotlighted 
CherryShield is a registered trademark of Asiros Nordic. With this product, Taiyo and Asiros are addressing manufacturers with very different target groups, but all of whom have similar needs: immune health is driving category growth. 

The fruit powders can be pressed into effervescent tablets or offered as chewable tablets, capsules or gummies. 

As a functional thirst-quencher that does not contain any additional sugar, the soluble agglomerates can be used in instant beverages and fruit teas, even for children. 

For direct consumption, they can also be filled in sachets of 5 to 6 g. Other prebiotic juice powders available include elderberry, lingonberry, aronia, cranberry and blueberry, and red and blackcurrant.

Earlier this summer, Taiyo and Asiros teamed up to develop and market two gut-supporting high-fiber fruit powder ranges. 

Meanwhile, Taiyo also recently received Informed Ingredient certification for Sunfiber, Suntheanine, Matcha and Teavigo. The all-natural ingredients can tap into consumer demands for third-party verification of safe and effective dietary supplements.