Launch of new sterol-containing cracker
Natural snack food company Kashi this week launched a new sterol-containing cracker in the USA.
As well as plant sterols, the crackers, part of the firm’s Heart to Heart range, also include 0.4g of plant sterols per serving, six natural antioxidants such as extracts from green tea, white tea and grape seed, as well as vitamins E and C, and beta carotene.
Plant sterols, which are natural extracts found in a variety of plants, are becoming increasingly popular functional ingredients on the back of evidence that they can help reduce cholesterol. Clinical data indicates levels can be reduced by between 8 and 15 per cent if 0.4g of plant sterols are consumed twice daily.
Late last year, two mainstream bread products containing sterols were also launched in the USA, indicating further manufacturer confidence in the category.
