What is Lecithin?

A soybean-based emulsifier or lubricant. Actually, lecithin can be derived from a number of different animal and plant tissues, but soybean oil is one of its primary sources. Sunflower oil is also gaining popularity as a source for lecithin. Let’s take a deep dive into the science behind this ingredient.

Lecithin consists of fatty substances within tissues and can be found in all cellular organisms. Because it can easily be extracted mechanically or chemically, lecithin is readily available for a number of different uses.

What Does Soy Lecithin Do?

Lecithin is quite the versatile ingredient, and can be used either as a food additive or in food preparation as an emulsifier or lubricant.

For instance, the chocolate in a candy bar doesn’t separate because of lecithin. Nonstick cooking spray is non-sticking because of lecithin.

Soy Lecithin as a Food Additive

Foodies like lecithin because it’s a naturally occurring emulsifier that is safe to ingest. That doesn’t mean it’s immune to genetically modified organisms (GMO), because genetically modified crops will also produce lecithin. However, because lecithin is processed, the difference between being derived from an organic crop and genetically modified crop is virtually undetectable.

Still, we understand the importance of knowing where your food originates. When working with Bremer Authentic Ingredients, you’ll know from where the lecithin is derived and which specific type of lecithin works best for your applications.

Select Other Lecithin Uses:

  • Protective coat for paint and ink
  • Color intensifier
  • Rust inhibitor
  • Dietary supplement (choline)
  • Anti-sludge additive in motor lubricants

Interested in other food additives? Connect With Us Today – We Can Help.

The annual Great Lakes Section IFT Supplier’s Exhibit and Wine Dinner happens this year on Wednesday April 30, 2014. Click Here to learn more about the event.

You can find us in booth #29 right near the main entrance and registration area. Join us for the Wine Dinner afterward at Yarrow Golf & Conference Resort where we’ll experience great pairings of food and wine assembled by Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.

Bremer is a proud sponsor of the IFT event.

To bolster the presence of Bremer Authentic Ingredients in Illinois and Indiana, Bremer is excited to announce the hiring of Tim Richards as the new sales representative for the territory.

Richards is an enthusiastic, passionate individual who has worked in the food industry for nearly 20 years. Most of his experience has come in Indiana, and he knows the market thoroughly. Richards will use his infectious enthusiasm and customer-centric style to increase Bremer’s presence in Illinois and Indiana.

“We knew the opportunity for expansion into a larger portion of the Midwest was there,” said Todd Gifford, Sales Manager with Bremer, “and Tim is the right person to lead that charge. He’s proven himself to be a successful salesperson in the food industry and, most important, puts an intense focus on the customer. His ideals fit right in line with Bremer’s.”

“This is a great opportunity for me and Bremer,” added Richards. “I thrive on working with people, bringing in new business and building on existing business. Being able to help Bremer expand into a market I know well is a challenge I am excited to embrace.”

Bremer is known not only for its quality ingredients, but also for the way it deals with customers. Making sure all customers get everything they need, when they need it, is at the core of Bremer’s customer service. With the addition of Richards, Bremer can seamlessly expand its reach into the Midwest with the same level of customer care for which Bremer is known.

“We’re fully committed to this market,” said Gifford. “When we talked about expanding, we knew we had to do it right. With the addition of Tim, as well as our dedicated trucks and drivers, we’re eager to bring our authentic ingredients farther into the Midwest.”

Located in Illinois or Indiana and looking for quality food ingredients? Contact Tim Richards Today!

What’s new in the food industry? What’s getting more popular? What’s falling off? Food manufacturers, food processors and everyone within the industry is taking a look at the Global Food Industry Survey 2013-2014: Market Trends, Buyer Spend and Procurement Strategies in the Global Food Industry

The report names the top three expected trends in 2013: health and wellness, convenience, and local products.

Health and Wellness
These categories are not surprising. Consumers are always looking for healthier foods and snacks, although they’re usually not willing to sacrifice taste for it. As food manufacturers continue to move toward higher quality ingredients, that formerly impossible dichotomy is becoming realistic.

Snacks and other foods can now be manufactured with the taste consumers love while eliminating harmful ingredients and using other ingredients of the utmost quality.

Convenience
As mentioned, despite the desire for healthier foods, consumers aren’t usually willing to sacrifice taste. That leads us to convenience. People want easy-to-get, easy-to-consume food with health benefits.

Food manufacturers are seeing these trends and working toward giving consumers more of what they want: convenient, healthy food.

Local Products
The third trend, local products, has been brewing for a while also. Consumers want to know their food is being grown, produced and manufactured within their area. There’s an element of trust that goes with local foods.

Optimism Abound
The report details the majority of companies are “more optimistic” about revenue growth in 2013. Identifying and adapting to market trends has always been important in the food industry, so to see so many companies projecting revenue growth is encouraging.

How can we help you keep up with trends and gain the trust of your customers?