Formulating soy foods

Dairy Foods,  June, 1998  by Donna Gorski Berry

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Osteoporosis

Soy foods may help prevent and treat osteoporosis. Fortified soymilk made with calcium salt is a good source of calcium, with the calcium in soy easily absorbed by the body. Isoflavones found in soy protein may also play an important role in protecting bones. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reports that soybean isoflavones help maintain bone health by increasing bone mineral content and bone density. Specifically, the isoflavone daidzein is very similar to a drug widely used in Asia and Europe to treat osteoporosis. In fact, when the drug is metabolized in the body, it breaks down to form daidzein.

RELATED ARTICLE: Premium Soy Desserts Generate Interest

As a growing number of consumers learn about soy's health benefits, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Decatur, Ill., anticipates a demand for more soymilk-based products.

To help generate awareness in soy, one of the company's primary product lines, ADM developed a non-dairy, premium soy-based frozen dessert called Dairylike[TM]. ADM is currently marketing Dairylike, with Yarnell's Ice Cream Co., Searcy, Ark., producing it. The five-flavor line is being distributed to Southern California markets through an extensive direct-store delivery program by HaagenDazs Co.

ADM has a history of consumer product development, though its primary business is as an ingredient supplier to the food and beverage manufacturing industry. Long-term, the company doesn't have the infrastructure to market products directly to consumers; therefore, it hopes to partner with other frozen dessert manufacturers across the country to achieve national distribution for Dairylike.

"It took us more than three years to develop Dairylike," says Tom Schell, marketing mgr. "The product boasts a taste remarkably similar to traditional ice cream."

Dairylike will appeal to lactose-intolerant consumers, low-fat purchasers, those concerned with cholesterol and the vegetarian population. It's rich in vitamin E and considered a good source of calcium for those consumers who demand a more nutritious dessert without sacrificing great taste.

Sold in quarts for a suggested retail price of $3.69 to $3.99, Dairylike varieties are Cappuccino Swirl, Chocolate Elegance, Creamy Vanilla, Five Berry Mix-In and Praline Pecan Swirl.

COPYRIGHT 1998 BNP Media
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