Frequently Asked Questions: Use of Z Trim® Multifunctional Fiber Ingredients in Food Formulations

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Why do I need Z Trim® in my formulations? What are the attributes of Z Trim?

The unparalleled water holding capacity and unique structure of Z Trim multifunctional fibers, in conjunction with their taste neutrality and non-caloric status, give food developers a highly effective tool to achieve product attribute objectives and solve challenging formulation and product performance problems.  Z Trim is quite versatile and can be used across a range of applications. 

How much Z Trim® should I use?

The use level is dependent on the application and the product attributes that must be achieved.  Please review the applications and attributes chart, or contact us for more information.

What is Z Trim® made from?

Z Trim® fiber ingredients are made from the hull of the corn grain or the hull of oat grain.  The cellulose-to-hemicellulose ratio of approximately 80:20 of corn Z Trim is closely in line with many fibers from whole grain.

How is Z Trim® different from other products in its category?

Z Trim’s patented process and composition makes it unique among cellulose ingredients. Originally developed at the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Northern Regional Research Center, significant additional processing advancements have been achieved, making the multifunctional benefits of Z Trim unique among cellulose ingredients.Aside from being non-caloric and taste-neutral, Z Trim has unparalleled water holding capacity. It can be rehydrated to any viscosity between a fraction of a percent to approximately 12% or more, depending on the capabilities of the equipment used.  Z Trim multifunctional fibers can be used across a wide pH and temperature range.

Should I use corn or oat Z Trim? What’s the difference between these two fiber ingredients?

Corn Z Trim works well in most applications. Some of our customers prefer oat Z Trim for certain baking applications, especially for products where a slightly longer fiber or non-GMO ingredients are preferred.  Please contact us to discuss your specific formulation and processing requirements.

Are there protein allergens in Z Trim? Is there starch present?

Z Trim fiber ingredients are made from the outer hull, or bran fiber, not from the germ or endosperm portions of the grain kernel where protein allergens reside.  As a result, only trace amounts of protein or carbohydrate (typically approximating .03%) are found in Z Trim. Being virtually free of protein and starch is also what gives Z Trim its non-caloric status.

Can Z Trim® benefit gluten-free food formulation and cooking?

While gluten is found in all grains, the gluten in rice and corn, such as corn Z Trim, is safe for celiac patients. Z Trim  fiber ingredients are made from either corn or oat bran, and when used in place of starches made from wheat protein, barley, etc., offers a gluten-free choice, in addition to many other formulation benefits that Z Trim provides.

Are there any tastes associated with Z Trim?

No. It is taste-neutral.

Does Z Trim® have any calories?

Only trace amounts of protein or carbohydrate (typically .03%) are found in Z Trim multifunctional fiber ingredients, and therefore do not introduce quantifiable calories into your product at typical use levels.

Does Z Trim have to be hydrated during processing?

The requirement for hydrating Z Trim fiber ingredients depends on the application and functions of Z Trim in the formula. For example, in breading and solids coatings, where Z Trim helps to minimize oil absorption in fried foods, or in dry baking mixes, which will be prepared with agitation, no hydration is necessary.  Z Trim fibers can simply be mixed with other dry ingredients.  For wet applications where Z Trim helps to build viscosity and stabilize emulsions, the customer’s standard processing parameters are normally sufficient to hydrate Z Trim ingredients. Please contact us to discuss your specific formulation and processing requirements.

Does the introduction of Z Trim® into an established production line require process changes?

In most cases, no changes are necessary to your standard processing scheme.  Z Trim can be introduced as a powder in some applications, and is easily incorporated wherever existing processing systems involve a shearing step. Please contact us to discuss your specific formulation and processing requirements.

How do I activate (hydrate) Z Trim?

The requirement for hydrating Z Trim fiber ingredients depends on the application and functions of Z Trim in the formula. In some cases, Z Trim can simply be mixed with the other dry ingredients in the formula.  For applications where hydration is required, in most cases, Z Trim fiber ingredients can be added to your standard process along with the other ingredients. As long as some shear is involved in the process, Z Trim can be hydrated as part of the normal process of blending liquids and powders. As well, Z Trim can be hydrated separately to a liquid or “gel” viscosity, as desired, in advance of being added into the production process.  Please contact us to discuss your specific formulation and processing requirements.

With Z Trim® as an ingredient, am I more likely to achieve a  fiber claim?

The percentage of Z Trim fiber ingredients in the formulation of foods is usually too low to enable the use of fiber claims.  Depending on the amount of other fiber in your application and the amount of Z Trim used, Z Trim can certainly help to reach the claim levels for fiber content. Z Trim cannot be classified as whole grain, but it provides all the benefits of whole grain. In fact, where too much whole grain in a formulation can pose some functional and taste problems, Z Trim multifunctional fiber can be used to provide the textural and eating qualities consumers expect.

Does Z Trim® work with or replace fats?

Used with fats (butter, shortening, eggs, oils, creams, etc.), Z Trim can become part of an emulsion, replacing a portion of the fats (and the calories) while imparting a fat-like texture and mouthfeel and enhancing the emulsion stability. In many applications, Z Trim multifunctional fibers can be used at higher use levels to replace larger portions of fats and calories while maintaining a good texture and mouthfeel. Please contact us to discuss your specific formulation and processing requirements.

Can I fry in Z Trim?

No, but Z Trim can work in a frying application. Z Trim powder mixed into a pre-dust, or used as a surface-coating liquid “bath” prior to freezing, can result in substantive fat deflection when frying, as well as making for a crispier exterior and tender interior.

Does Z Trim® work with or replace modified and resistant starches?

It can do both, depending on your application.  Z Trim multifunctional fiber provides the functionality of a starch and then some. Z Trim can be blended with a native or modified starch, thereby supplementing textural functionality while reducing calories and assuring greater water management.  Z Trim fiber ingredients can completely replace starch in many applications, thereby removing all calories from starch and enabling cleaner labels. Unlike modified starches, the molecular structure of Z Trim is not altered. Z Trim also does not have to reach a specific temperature to become activated and will keep foods stable through several freeze/thaw cycles without breakdown. Unlike resistant starches, Z Trim fiber ingredients are derived from classic grain fiber, and do not undergo separate processes to emulate fiber.  It is possible to achieve both clean labels AND good, stable texture with Z Trim multifunctional fibers!  Please contact us to discuss your specific formulation and processing requirements.

Does Z Trim® work with or replace gums?

Both. Unlike other plant derived fibers, Z Trim can stand on its own in many applications performing many of the textural functions of gums, or it can be blended with gums to supplement textural attributes, stabilize emulsions, meet cost projections, and perform other beneficial functions.

Is Z Trim® cost effective?

Z Trim multifunctional fiber ingredients are priced competitively and provide cost stability to food processors compared with other ingredients such as oil and some gums.  Due to the high water holding capacity of corn Z Trim, the use level of Z Trim is often lower than that required of many other hydrocolloid ingredients. Z Trim multifunctional ingredients provide excellent cost:benefit value.  The unique properties and benefits of Z Trim ingredients have repeatedly helped food processors solve difficult formulation issues, resulting in superior performance of finished products and ultimately greater consumer satisfaction.  In some applications, Z Trim can extend yield of the finished product, and may expand the shelf life of some products.  At times, Z Trim can replace other ingredients, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing the number of ingredients that must be handled and inventoried.

 

Can individual consumers purchase Z Trim?

We are not currently promoting the sale of Z Trim to the general public, but we encourage consumers to ask for it in their favorite foods, for better nutritional profiles with no sacrifice in taste.

If you did not see the answer to your question in the above FAQ, please submit your question using the form below. You will be added to our e-mail list and will get a response to your question shortly. If you are a food industry professional and would like to order a bench sample of Z Trim, please proceed to order a sample. Thank you.