Zenko Superfoods, Singapore-based healthy snack company, has successfully received authorisation from EFSA to trade its roasted and popped kernels from the seeds of Euryale ferox Salisb., commonly known as prickly water lily, as a traditional food from a third country (TF), in line with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The decision, which was published by the European Commission on 18 July 2022, will allow for the sale of the roasted and popped kernels as a snack in the European unio (EU).

A healthier alternative to popcorn

The product, branded Water Lily Pops, is a non-GMO, gluten-free, plant-based snack made by roasting and popping the kernels of the plant and adding a selecion of natural seasonings for flavour. The Water Lily Pops are available in four flavour varieties: Himalayan pink salt, spicy, cheddar cheese, and original.

The plant that the seeds are sourced from, a prickly waterlily, is an aquatic crop which grows in stagnant water bodies such as ponds and lakes and originates from the Himalayan foothills in India. The seeds of the flower are harvested, dried, roasted using refined olive oil or olive pomace oil, and popped, in Bihar, the northeast region of India, to produce a light and crunchy, nutritious snack, the company says.

Research shows that the water lily plant has been cultivated in India and China for more than 3,000 years, wher seeds were eaten raw before fully ripe or roasted; or boiled when mature.

EFSA approved specifications for use

Appealing to the healthy snack market, the seeds can be compared to popcorn yet contain 50% less fat and 20% fewer calories, the company claims. According to Zenko’s product description, as per its EFSA application, makhana, the common name for the plant, should be “soft and chewy, little white puffy balls, just like popcorn, and crunchier after the pop roasting.”

Following this approval, Zenko will be authorised to market its Water Lily Pops on the EU market with a recommended serving size of 28 g and a maximum daily intake of four servings (112 g/day).

Catering for a growing health and environment conscious consumer base

In line with the ‘better for you’ trend that has rapidly grown in popularity over recent years, a growing number of brands are already experimenting with water lily seeds and currently have products on the both the European and global food markets.

One vegan snack brand, Oh Lily! is producing cheesy vegan popped water lily seeds which are dusted with nutritional yeast and black pepper, for sale in the German market. The naturally gluten-free, zero-sugar snack is described by the company as an “innovative, healthy, vegan snacking experience” as well as a good source of protein, iron, magnesium and amino acids and a source of fibre.

Similarly in the US market, wher the availability, authenticity and variety of Indian flavours is a growing trend, the Tikka Masala Water Lily Pops from New-York based natural food company, Taali Foods, are one of several new lily seed products available.

Containing six grams of protein per bag, no artificial ingredients or flavours and no gluten, soy, dairy, corn, or trans fats, the product is suitable and catered towards the ever-growing contingent of vegan, health-conscious consumers.

This recent approval calls into question the role of EFSA

The availability of water lily seeds in the EU prior to their official approval as a novel food raises questions over the weight that EFSA opinions carry in the market.

According to Dr Mark Tallon, managing partner of Legal Foods, a European food law firm specialising in regulated products, the novel food process falls short in several regards including the long wait times of the approval process and lack of uniform enforcement across markets.

“A reconsideration of the [novel food] legislation being fit for purpose is needed, based on what is happening in the real world, and not the construct of rules and regulations at an EU level which are, for many, ignored,” Tallon said.

It is worth noting, however, that the role of EFSA is purely to give scientific opinions – requested by the European Institutions or on its own initiative - based on which the Commission can make a proposal for legislation.

“It is of the responsibility of food business operators to comply with the relevant EU and national legislation, and it is for Member States to enforce the legislation,” an European Commission spokesperson told Ingredient’s Network.