Taiyo targets mental focus platform with raw coffee bean solution

21 Aug 2017 --- Japanese ingredient supplier Taiyo has presented a potential solution to the drawbacks of drinking coffee with a new raw coffee bean ingredient, Functional Whole Green Coffee Powder (WGCP). The powder, derived from raw coffee beans using a patented technology, is said to: improve both mental focus and concentration for up to six to eight hours; help to reduce and stabilize blood glucose levels; and be able to act as an appetite suppressant.

Compared with coffee extracts, WGCP powder is said to contain caffeine and a wide variety of other valuable coffee bean components, such as chlorogenic acids, antioxidants, minerals and dietary fibers.

The difference in this natural raw coffee bean ingredient is: “it delivers sustained caffeine release, whereas caffeinated beverages such as coffee or energy drinks often provide a short-term peak of heightened alertness,” the company says.

Taiyo’s WGCP is said to offer a continuous supply of caffeine for a period of six to eight hours – without the associated side-effects of jitters, a rapid heartbeat and the “boom and bust” phenomenon. Taiyo notes that conventional energy drinks have often been criticized for their “boom and bust” of an immediate caffeine boost and the subsequent period of fatigue.

The powder was developed in collaboration with physicians and its efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical studies, Taiyo notes. It adds that as the ingredient is vegan, free from gluten and non-GMO, it meets current consumer demands.

Taiyo processes the coffee beans using a patented technology to retain the raw material’s valuable components. WGCP is available as a powder from Robusta and Arabica beans, which differ in terms of their caffeine content. For products requiring a stronger effect, Taiyo also develops variants that are further fortified with caffeine.

Application opportunities
Because of its sustained caffeine release, WGCP is advertised as suitable for “natural” and “gentle” energy products. As well as “concentration” or “endurance and performance” positionings, the company points out that it can also be marketed as a weight management ingredient due to its appetite-suppressing effect.

WGCP is also advertised for its ability to be incorporated in a variety of food formulations by manufacturers thanks to the product’s “excellent” technological properties. These include breakfast cereals, oatmeal, granola bars and drinks. In addition, dietary supplements such as protein powders, shots or capsules can also include WGCP.

Taiyo’s new coffee powder announcement comes as it has recently launched it's “Regular Girl” sunfiber supplement aimed at improving women’s digestive health. It also joined forces with Benexia, a producer of 100 percent natural, clean label, non-GMO, gluten-free chia seeds, to distribute chia seeds products in North America earlier this year.

This feature is provided by Nutrition Insight’s sister website, Food Ingredients First.

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