Bioenergy Life Science (BLS) is exhibiting its “game-changing” ingredients at IFT FIRST in Chicago, US. The company says that while consumers are becoming more discriminating and educated about foods and beverages, taste and health remain big priorities.

Food Ingredients First speaks with Marianne McDonagh, VP of sales at BLS, who discusses the prototypes the company is bringing to the trade show. 

“We’re showcasing our full line of branded ingredients. The first is our Bioenergy Ribose, a flagship ingredient that enables beverage formulators to deliver noticeable, sustained energy by replenishing cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP).”

BLS says it’s “the secret behind plant-based proteins’ mouthwatering flavor and aroma.”

“It comes from glucose, we produce it naturally. But the process that makes it so slow, and our demand is so high, that virtually our bodies always had a supply and demand mismatch. It’s popular in many functional food, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, sport nutrition products and dietary supplements.”

“It’s unique because it gives you that functionality,” notes McDonagh. “It’s a five-carbon sugar, compared to most other sugars, which are six-carbon. So by consuming this five-carbon sugar, it’s not going to affect your waistline,” she explains, adding that it’s popular in many different applications.”

It has energy, muscle recovery and healthy aging claims, which McDonagh stresses “are all important factors for consumers today.”

Visitors to IFT can sample the taco-flavored, plant-based meat nacho scoops, which contain BLS’s Bioenergy Ribose. McDonagh adds that this application offers “the same aroma as mouthwatering real meat.” 

Aging well innovations 
Another innovation at the show is RiaGev, BLS’s rising star in the healthy aging category. 

It is the first and only commercially available patented and specialized formulation with Bioenergy Ribose and nicotinamide. Functional foods and beverages formulated with RiaGev and the new RiaGev-WS (water soluble) will benefit cognition and concentration.

“We all experience aging processes that happen in the body, and using RiaGev increases our nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and ATP levels, which are the cellular energy components of the body. Additionally, glutathione production, which is also naturally produced in the body as well, is optimal to reduce the signs of aging,” she explains. 

“With RiaGev, you can intake NAD, ATP and glutathione all at the same time, which has never been done before with any NAD precursor.”

At IFT, visitors can experience soft-baked lemon bars containing RiaGev. These on-the-go snacks with a light, refreshing lemon flavor are made with NAD-boosting RiaGev for healthy aging benefits, including cognitive and mitochondrial health. 

Healthy-for-you ingredients that stand out 
BLS is also celebrating the launch of its first-ever functional sweetener solution, powered by Bioenergy Ribose, with an IFT taste test challenge.

“When people use this sweetener, they’ll also be able to add the energy claims and the other things associated with our Robise ingredient,” adds McDonagh. 

“Saying that our ingredients do more and they do it better is more than just a catchphrase. Our ingredients are extensively researched. Plus, our in-house processes guarantee quality and purity,” explains BLS’s director of marketing, Penny Portner.

“Our competitive advantages include Non-GMO Project Verified, keto-friendly, slightly sweet flavor profile, browning/caramelizing effect, negative glycemic value, clean label and sustainability.”

MannoHealth is BLS’s answer to the industry’s growing demand for the highest purity D-Mannose. It is backed by the company’s more than 30 years of industry experience developing scientifically based, all-natural, non-GMO ingredients that are of the highest quality and are consistent from batch to batch. 

“BLS does more than supply trusted, branded ingredients. We have the skills and talent to partner with you on formulation support, product concepts, quality and regulatory, and support your marketing and promotions.,” comments Portner. 

Fruit gummies, powered by MannoHealth, with no sugar added, are available on the BLS booth to taste. With a softer texture than traditional gummies, this tasty version takes advantage of the natural sweetness of non-GMO MannoHealth (D-mannose). 

“BLS is re-imagining the possibilities for a wide range of applications, especially plant-based foods, snacks, beverages and meal replacements,” concludes Portner.