© 2004 CDRF

Comment or suggestion to Site Editor

What is the Market for Edible Films and Coatings?

Food companies are looking to edible films and coatings to add value to their products, increase shelf-life and/or reduce packaging. Applications of interest to the food industry include

• Coating oxygen-sensitive foods such as nuts to extend shelf-life and reduce packaging

• Coating nuts to prevent oil migration into surrounding food components (e.g., nuts in chocolate)

• Coating fragile foods such as breakfast cereals and freeze-dried foods to improve integrity and reduce loss due to damage

• Coating fresh whole and pre-cut fruits and vegetables to extend shelf-life by reducing moisture loss, respiration and color change

• Coating nuts, cookies and/or candies in ice cream to provide a moisture barrier and keep inclusions crisper

• Coatings as seasoning adhesives in low-fat and non-fat snack foods (e.g., chips)

• Coatings on frozen foods to prevent oxidation, as well as prevent moisture, aroma or color migration.

• Film separation layers for heterogeneous foods

• Film pouches for dry food ingredients

Back to Top