Ready Meals
Whether refrigerated or frozen, consumers are becoming increasingly selective in their ready meal choices; desiring not only meals that are easy to prepare and gourmet inspired, but made with sustainable and clean-label ingredients in mind.
We understand the challenges of meeting these needs, while maintaining your bottom line.
By utilising our solutions, you can fulfill consumer demands while meeting your organisational objectives.
Take advantage of our solutions for your ready meals to:
- Simplify your label
- Cut fat and calories
- Develop indulgent textures
- Ensure optimal freeze/thaw stability
- Extend shelf life
Our experienced team are on hand and ready to guide you through our selection of gelatines, collagens, hydrocolloids and unique bespoke blends.
Applications
Gelatine
Gelatine is commonly used in ready meals for its functional properties that improve texture and stability. It enhances the texture, providing a smooth, creamy consistency in sauces, gravies, and desserts. Gelatine also stabilises emulsions, ensuring uniform distribution of fats and liquids. It forms gels when cooled, useful for creating firm, sliceable products like jellies or meat fillings. Additionally, it aids in freeze/thaw stability, maintaining texture after freezing. Gelatine can also help reduce fat by replacing some oils while maintaining mouthfeel. As a clean label ingredient, gelatine offers a natural alternative to synthetic stabilisers.
Hydrocolloids
Hydrocolloids are key ingredients in ready meals, enhancing texture, stability, and shelf life. They control viscosity in sauces, soups, and dressings, providing a smooth texture. Some, like agar and pectin, form gels for firm, sliceable products. Hydrocolloids also stabilise emulsions, prevent fat and liquid separation, and help retain moisture, keeping meals fresh after freezing or reheating. Additionally, they can extend shelf life by reducing microbial growth and mimic fat to lower fat content without compromising texture. Overall, hydrocolloids improve the quality and appeal of ready meals.
