What does Clean(er) label mean?

Helping consumers make informed food choices, together

"9 out of 10 consumers read packaging information .” – Taste Tomorrow

There is no set definition of clean-label ingredients or products. The concept of ‘Clean label’ is driven by consumers’ desire for greater transparency and a preference for natural, familiar and easy-to-understand ingredients

Similar to other mega-trends, consumers decide on their own definitions of what it means to eat “clean”. While the concept of “clean” is broad, consumers generally define “clean eating” as a diet that prioritises food with natural and/or organic ingredients, without additives, including minimal processing, while being environmentally friendly.

Are additives necessary in food and how is their safety ensured?

Additives ensure the safety of processed foods throughout their journeys from factories and industrial kitchens, to warehouses and stores, and finally, to consumers. They are also used to modify the sensory properties of foods such as taste, aroma, texture and appearance. Several governmental organizations and regulatory bodies (cfr. EFSA, FDA) regulate, monitor and review food additives for potential harmful effects on human health before they are approved for use. 

Addressing the Clean(er) Label trend

Puratos’s ambition is to create clean(er) label solutions without compromising on safety, functionality, taste, or texture. Thus, we follow the philosophy that every ingredient has its reason to be. Therefore, we support you at every step of the Clean(er) label journey in bakery, patisserie and chocolate, by reducing the ingredient list and promoting products of natural origin where possible.

Our definition of ‘Clean(er) label’:

  • Clean(er) label products – products that have no artificial colours and flavours but only natural colours and flavours, and have eliminated one or more additives to differentiate from the average product in their food category.
  • Clean label product – products that do not contain any artificial flavours and colours and no additives or ingredients that are perceived as artificial.

Puratos Clean(er) label ambition goes beyond the ingredient list. Apart from the label, it is a commitment to providing clean(er) food solutions with clear and transparent information, helping consumers make informed food choices.

Our clean(er) label solutions
Acti Clean(er) Label
Puratos Acti Clean(er) label cake improver makes the label shorter on patisserie products by replacing emulsifiers
S500 CL Improver
S500 CL, the best quality cleaner(er) label multi-purpose improver on the market, offering you absolute peace of mind with proven consistent premium quality.
Consumer Insights

Consumer Insights

According to Taste Tomorrow’s consumer research, 71% of consumers would buy more from bakeries using only natural ingredients. This number has significantly grown since 2022.[1]

 As for packed items, 9 out of 10 consumers read packaging information:

  • 50% look at ingredients,
  • 28% check the source/origin of the product or ingredient,
  • 27% check for additives, such as preservatives, artificial flavours and colours.

 

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