Omya launches anti-caking ingredient, non-nano Omyafood

Omya, global producer of mineral ingredients, has developed an anti-caking agent for safe and easy powder handling and processing.

Omyafood 120 is based on functionalised calcium carbonate (FCC) particles that have undergone a patented recrystallisation process to create a new mineral composition and structure. The advanced non-nano mineral offers high porosity, high moisture-binding capacity and reduced mechanical interlocking. As such, it provides a nano-free alternative to traditional flow aids such as silica, which have to be declared as nano particles on the label.

Powders are often highly cohesive and difficult to handle when discharged from silos, drums or bags, and also during conveying, feeding, mixing and dosing. Caking describes the agglomeration of powders that form during transportation or storage due to changes in temperature or moisture. During processing, caked powders become more challenging, resulting in a loss of product quality and a higher energy demand. Porous Omyafood 120 particles can counteract this, however, thanks to their strong absorption and moisture-binding capabilities. Moreover, their structure reduces mechanical interlocking. The low-dust ingredient not only enhances flow but also allows for better storage and improves preservation of product quality throughout the supply chain, thus ensuring better performance for the end-user. The size and grade of Omyafood 120 perfectly supports food powders and intermediates such as milk powder, milk protein for protein drinks, spice blends for seasoning, energy drinks, coffee creamers, salt, starch, sports powders and vitamin premixes.

Tanja Budde, director Innovation & Technical Marketing Consumer Goods at Omya, explains: “Market demand for food powders in convenience foods, drinks, sports nutrition and nutraceuticals is continually rising. So, too, is the demand for safe, natural and clean label ingredients. The requirement to declare nano particles in a product is forcing manufacturers to find effective and easy to process natural alternatives. Omyafood 120 ticks all of these boxes.”

For more information, visit: powder-processing.omya.com.