Gluten-free protein bar packed at Vitafoods

TEL-AVIV, Israel – Carmit Candy Industries is launching a novel, delicious, protein-fortified, gluten-free wafer bar in Geneva at the Finished Products Europe, co-located with Vitafoods exhibition (booth #10006).  

Carmit offers this innovative wafer as a private-label product, in a variety of packaging options, for retailers, or to supplement makers and confectionery manufacturers. It is entirely gluten-free to serve multiple niches in the marketplace.

The leading private-label manufacturer for gluten-free, dairy-free and fortified confectionery and bakery products chose pea protein over other whey or soy because of its full amino-acid profile, the rise of veganism and demand for vegan and vegetarian products, and, most importantly, because of the non-allergenic properties of peas.

“In addition to the protein itself, we believe the carrier – in this case, a gluten- and egg-free wafer bar, is a novel and exciting way to deliver a healthy dose of protein. Plus, we coated the bars in rich, dark chocolate, making the product even more palatable and giving it a distinct and sophisticated flavor,” said Steve Grun, CEO of Carmit.

Gluten-free power snack

Packed with 5 grams of complete, pea-derived protein, the bar is specially formulated for the consumer who wants to curb hunger, add a much needed dose of protein to his/her diet and still enjoy a tasty, guilt-free snack within a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle. Each wafer bar provides 10% of the recommended daily protein intake.

This new, healthy snack is easy to digest and contains an ideal combination of essential amino acids for sports performance. Pea protein can help provide both a pre-workout energy boost and improved post-workout muscle recovery.

 “Our team of technologists spent months developing the right balance of ingredients to incorporate the desired protein levels without adversely affecting the organoleptic properties in an allergen-free, protein-rich, tasty bar,” said Adrian Sagman, Carmit VP of International Sales and Marketing.

To counterbalance the pea flavor, a 60% dark chocolate coating was employed, which masks any perceived off flavors of the protein, without eliminating completely the favorable flavor attributes.

“The primary challenge in developing this wafer bar was making sure the product tastes great. That’s not always easy when working with pea protein, as it tends to have a dominant flavor and a high viscosity,” Mr Sagman said. “The balance of filling to wafer also was carefully developed in order to preserve the crispiness and airiness of the wafers.”

Located in Israel, Carmit has a state-of-the art facility that produces chocolate coins, toffee-chews, crème-filled wafers, cookies and lollipops. The company, which also performs private-label development, manufacturing and marketing to North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim, is large enough to provide customers with economies of scale, while being small enough to be flexible for specialty markets.