Grape Seed Extract: A Functional Botanical Ingredient in Food Formulations
Grape seed extract is a botanical raw material obtained from the seeds of the Vitis vinifera L. fruit by suitable extraction methods. Thanks to its structure, which stands out in terms of polyphenols, it can be used in functional food, beverage and food supplement formulations.
Being obtainable by making use of the seeds that arise during grape juice, molasses and wine production also makes this extract important in terms of sustainable raw material use.
The constituents in grape seed extract may vary according to the grape variety, the processing conditions of the seed, the extraction method and the standardisation of the product. If a particular OPC or total polyphenol level is being targeted, the certificate of analysis should be checked.
Fields of Use in Food Products
Grape seed extract produced at a quality suitable for food can be considered in different product groups:
- Functional beverages
- Fruit juices and flavoured drinks
- Powdered beverage blends
- Energy and sports products
- Gel and gummy products
- Capsules and tablets
- Bars and snacks
- Functional food blends
Liquid and powdered forms can offer different advantages according to the production process. Powdered extracts provide ease of use in dry blends, while liquid extracts can be applied more easily to beverage and syrup type products.
Its Effect on Taste and Colour
Depending on its polyphenol content, grape seed extract can create an astringent and slightly bitter taste. As the use level increases, this sensory characteristic can become more pronounced. For this reason it may be necessary to carry out taste masking work during product development.
Balanced combinations can be created with fruit aromas, citrus constituents, cocoa or natural sweeteners. The natural colour of the extract should also be taken into account in beverage and light coloured food formulations.
What Should Be Examined in Raw Material Selection?
The following properties should be examined in a grape seed extract to be used in food applications:
- Food grade suitability
- Botanical name and the plant part used
- Extraction method and solvent system
- Solubility and particle structure
- Pesticide and heavy metal analyses
- Solvent residues
- Microbiological criteria
- Taste, odour and colour properties
The stability of the extract under pH, heat and storage conditions should also be tested on the final product.
The Right Approach in Functional Product Development
Grape seed extract can be considered as a botanical polyphenol source in food products. However, the fact that the raw material contains antioxidant compounds does not mean that a health claim can be used directly on the final product.
The nutrition and health claims to be used on a product should be determined by taking into account the use level of the extract, the composition of the finished product, the analysis results and the current legislation of the target market.
Greenext Grape Seed Extract is a versatile botanical raw material that can be used in functional food and food supplement formulations.
