Novonesis has introduced Optiva Triticum, a new ingredient solution designed to help pasta manufacturers maintain consistent quality and performance as global wheat variability continues to challenge the category.

The launch arrives at a time when pasta makers are grappling with increasingly unpredictable wheat protein levels, fluctuating gluten strength and inconsistent dough behaviour — all of which can compromise firmness, cooking tolerance and overall product quality. Optiva Triticum is positioned as a functional, enzyme‑based tool that supports pasta processors in navigating these swings without reformulating or relying on higher-cost wheat grades.

What Optiva Triticum does for pasta makers

Quality consistency — the solution helps standardise dough strength and cooking performance, even when incoming wheat varies from batch to batch. According to Novonesis, it enables manufacturers to “navigate wheat volatility without compromising quality.”

Improved processing — Optiva Triticum supports more stable dough handling, reducing breakage and improving extrusion performance. This is particularly valuable for high-throughput lines where variability can slow production or increase waste.

Cost optimisation — by reducing reliance on premium or high-protein wheat, pasta makers can broaden their sourcing options and mitigate cost pressures linked to commodity markets.

Clean-label functionality — as an enzyme-based ingredient, Optiva Triticum supports clean-label positioning while delivering functional improvements traditionally achieved through additives or wheat selection.

Global wheat markets have been marked by sharp swings in quality due to climate variability, regional supply disruptions and shifting agricultural practices. For pasta manufacturers — whose products rely heavily on gluten strength and protein functionality — these fluctuations can lead to inconsistent cooking performance, softer textures or increased breakage.

Novonesis’ new solution aims to give producers a buffer against these challenges, offering a way to stabilise product quality without overhauling recipes or absorbing higher raw material costs.

The launch strengthens Novonesis’ portfolio of grain-processing solutions and underscores the company’s focus on enzyme-led innovation for staple food categories. Optiva Triticum is expected to appeal to both industrial pasta manufacturers and regional producers seeking greater resilience in their supply chains.