Nutegrity debuts epicatechin-rich cocoa extract
CocoaNol, which is standardized to 10% cocoa polyphenols, aims to harness the antioxidant power of chocolate in a form attractive to dietary supplement, food and beverage companies, Nutregrity said.
“Through a partnership with Theo Innovations, a division of Theo Chocolate, we are able to provide our dietary supplement, food and beverage customers with a chocolate extract that aligns nicely with our existing portfolio of signature antioxidants,” said Matt Phillips, Nutegrity’s chief commercial officer. “The potential health benefits of cocoa polyphenols have been under investigation for more than a century and now we are able to deliver those health benefits in a new and exciting way.”
Nutegrity is emphasizing the epicatechin content of the ingredient, which it says is higher than that of competing cocoa ingredients. Although many different polyphenols are present in dark chocolate, the company says emerging research has identified epicatechin as the primary cocoa flavonol linked to the observed health benefits of dark chocolate.
“Our direct relationship with our cocoa bean suppliers has allowed Theo to establish a proprietary process that ensures the highest antioxidant activity in our raw material compared to chocolate sourced elsewhere,” said Stefan Wypyszyk, vice president of Theo Innovations.
