Home /Blog/ “Clean label” is confusing, but we keep it simple

alternatetext

“Clean label” is confusing, but we keep it simple

Breaking down what “clean label” means at PastryStar.

At PastryStar, we believe that understanding the ingredients listed on your food packaging shouldn’t require the use of a dictionary or the internet. We strive to create the cleanest label products available on the market. Additionally, we cater to our customers by specializing in customized products that meet their specific needs. The increasing demand from consumers for healthier options and greater transparency in the food industry has prompted producers, farmers, ingredient manufacturers, agri-food companies, and supermarkets like Whole Foods to raise their standards (Bevsource). However, we strive to stay ahead of this trend. We ensure that our ingredient lists are as natural and simple as possible, containing only items that you would typically find in your own kitchen pantry.

The term “clean label” has gained significant attention in the food industry in recent years. As consumers become more concerned about their health and curious about the origins of the ingredients in their food products, this term grew in popularity (Grandviewresearch). However, the definition of “clean label” does not have a universally accepted standard that consumers can rely on. As baking and pastry ingredient manufacturers, we have our own interpretation of what it means to have a “Clean Label”. At PastryStar, a clean label product is one that is made solely with natural ingredients. It undergoes minimal or no processing, contains no artificial flavors, colors, or dyes, and has no artificial preservatives. Explore our comprehensive range of Clean Label ingredients, which can simplify your work and enhance the quality of your products for your consumers. 

Below are a few product categories that we watch for when creating clean label products: 

In the past, ingredients like margarine and many baked goods (such as pastries, pies, and cookies) often included partially hydrogenated oils, which were labeled as “+Trans/trans fats” or “shortening”. These oils were chemically modified additives used in processed foods for technical purposes, such as improving texture or prolonging shelf life (Nestle). They contained unsaturated fats that had undergone a partial hydrogenation process, and their consumption should be limited due to the potential for clogging blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart attacks.

In 2015, the FDA declared that these partially hydrogenated oils are not considered safe. At PastryStar, we offer products that do not contain partially hydrogenated oils, while maintaining the quality, flavor, and texture that our customers have come to expect. 

In the art of pastry, the visual aspect holds significant importance, as many pastries rely on colors to attract consumers and stimulate their appetites. Color additives can be categorized into two groups : Exempt colors, which are natural colorants derived from vegetable, mineral, or animal sources ; and certified color additives, which are synthetic colorants used to achieve intense and consistent colors and provide flexibility in creating a range of hues. These synthetic colorants are typically derived from raw materials obtained from petroleum. At PastryStar, we exclusively use natural colorants that are free from additives. For instance, we utilize ingredients such as beta-carotene, turmeric, paprika, black carrot, spirulina, and calcium carbonate to add color to our various products.  

The realm of flavors can be just as intricate as that of artificial colors, which is why we have made the decision to avoid using artificial flavors. Our natural flavors are derived from spices, fruits, vegetables, and even roots. We refrain from utilizing artificial flavors, as they often consist of chemicals with complex names that are difficult to pronounce, and their origins are often unknown. We invite you to indulge in our assortment of flavors, including our delightful Coffee Bogota, Coconut, and Raspberry flavors

While we have experience in using alternative sweeteners, like stevia, to create low-sugar and no-sugar-added products, we actively avoid sweeteners that are considered less beneficial for health, such as high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Our products are sweetened with real cane sugar, enabling you to indulge while being conscious of what you are consuming.  

Chemical preservatives are commonly employed in the food industry, especially in today’s consumer-driven society, where there is a growing demand for an extensive range of food options. This frequently involves long voyages by air or freight, necessitating products with extended shelf lives. With our expertise, we are capable of providing our customers with products that do not contain artificial preservatives.

Instead, we use natural ingredients and innovative packaging techniques to create clean and long-lasting products. Examples of the natural preservatives we use include citric acid, which is naturally found in various citrus fruits such as lemons and aids in preservation. Additionally, we employ industrial processes such as heating and pasteurization to preserve food in a healthy manner. 

There is a significant amount of confusion, mistrust, and often fear among consumers regarding the perceived “unhealthy” or potentially harmful nature of the food they purchase. This confusion can be attributed to the complex ingredient labels commonly found on products today. Due to legal requirements, companies are obligated to disclose ingredients using overly technical names, further contributing to the confusion. Consumers are faced with lengthy and complicated statements filled with scientific jargon and seemingly indecipherable terms when attempting to read the back of a box of cake mix. These circumstances do not inspire confidence in the safety or quality of the ingredients. 

The clean label movement originated as a response to the growing concerns expressed by consumers regarding the health risks associated with consuming over-processed foods and those containing artificial additives. When encountering unfamiliar or difficult-to-pronounce ingredients on a food label, it is reasonable to assume that they may be synthetic. The increasing concerns about potential negative health effects stemming from the consumption of synthetic “food” have led consumers to turn towards natural, whole foods and healthier options such as products with clean labels. 

Clean label foods offer consumers a heightened sense of assurance that the food they are consuming is minimally processed and more beneficial for their well-being compared to non-clean label alternatives. Typically, these foods are crafted using natural, consciously sourced ingredients, often incorporating whole grains, whole fruits, and vegetables. Their less processed nature allows them to retain a greater proportion of their inherent nutritional value. By choosing clean label foods, consumers can experience a stronger sense of satisfaction about their dietary choices. 

Furthermore, clean labeled foods tend to contain lower levels of added sugars and salt, thereby potentially reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. It is ironic that many artificial ingredients are added to food products with the intention of enhancing taste, when it is widely agreed that the most enjoyable foods are those that are as natural as possible. This sentiment is particularly true when it comes to pastries and baked goods, as we all desire that distinctive homemade flavor. PastryStar’s clean label ingredients, which eliminate synthetic additives, offer precisely what one seeks in achieving that genuine, made-from-scratch taste. 

Although there is some overlap between the terms “clean label” and “non-GMO” in the food industry, they have distinct meanings. At PastryStar, a clean label product exclusively consists of natural ingredients without any artificial or synthetic additives. On the other hand, according to the FDA, non-GMO products are those that do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs refer to plants or organisms whose genetic composition has been altered, typically in a laboratory, by manipulating their genes to achieve specific results that would not have naturally occurred.

This alteration can involve introducing genes from different species or modifying existing genes in the organism, such as creating disease-resistant corn or altering the color of a pineapple to create a pink pineapple. While a clean label product does not necessarily mean it is non-GMO, it is possible for a clean label product to also be non-GMO, depending on the source of its ingredients. Discover our +88 Non- GMO products here!

In short – yes. While for our clean label products we do ban artificial preservatives, we still use natural preservatives to ensure the freshness of our ingredients. Natural preservatives like salt, sugar, and citric acid, all work naturally with ingredients to draw moisture out of the food, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms. Using these and other natural preservatives, we can extend the shelf-life of our clean label products while keeping their ingredient lists all-natural.  

While most of our products have clean label ingredient lists, we are a company that specializes in specialization. Customization is our bread and butter, so we can develop and produce items that meet any criteria, whether they are clean labels or not.  Reach out to us to learn more about how to work together to meet your unique bakery or pastry ingredient needs.

Share on
LinkedInFacebook


Previous Post

«

Next Post

»