How Chiber™ keeps dressings, spreads and dips naturally fresh during summer cookout season

Giving brands a head start on clean label and shelf life claims

Cookouts and barbecues wouldn’t be complete without a good choice of condiments, dressings, spreads and dips to give summer food that added punch, but it is important to ensure these favorite foods remain safe and fresh. 

Chinova Bioworks answers these needs with Chiber™, a naturally-derived mushroom fiber extract that helps improve the quality, freshness and shelf life of a range of food and beverage products.

Memorial Day marks the start of cookout season!

This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 27th, which for many marks the beginning of summer and cookout season–a time to enjoy fresh food outside while making the most of the sunny weather.

Cookout season contributes to the US being the second largest global market for condiments and sauces. According to Statista, this market is currently valued at $30.64 billion, which means the average consumer gets through approximately 13.6kg of sauces and condiments every year. 

Even though market intelligence points to flavor as a huge priority, manufacturers also have to respond to growing demand for healthier condiments, dressings, spreads or dips that can sit on store shelves and in home refrigerators. This growing demand for healthier and more nutritious food provides an impetus for brands to improve their products by offering cleaner ingredients in their products.

“Chiber™ is well-suited for the condiments, dressings, spreads and dips category,” said Jeanette Fisher, Director of Sales and Marketing at Chinova Bioworks. “It helps maintain the freshness of low fat mayos, ranch dressings, marinades, and dairy- and vegetable-based dips such as spinach, tzatziki and baba ghanoush, in particular.”

Chiber™ meets consumer demand for sustainable foods

The environmental factors associated with foods are a growing concern for consumers, especially as they relate to their purchases at the grocery store. A 2023 consumer survey conducted by consultancy firm Kearney revealed that 42% of consumers were looking to make food purchases that were sustainable–a figure that increased 18% from the initial survey conducted in 2020.

This simultaneous quest for healthier and sustainable food and beverages has culminated in the emerging market for clean label products.

“Chiber™ is a shelf life extender that provides broad spectrum protection against spoilage-causing microorganisms, combating bacteria, yeast and mold. It is easy to use and has the added benefit of having no impact on flavor. It is derived from the upcycled stems of white button mushrooms and uses an eco-friendly process to extract the fiber,” said Fisher. "Chiber™ meets both clean label and sustainability standards consumers want."

Challenge testing shows Chiber™ outperforms another natural shelf life extender

Results showing Chiber Mushroom Extract added to baba ghanoush decreased a strain of mold in a Challenge Test. Chart supplied by Chinova Bioworks.

Chinova Bioworks has undertaken extensive testing to determine Chiber™ works in a wide variety of condiments, spreads and dips. Challenge testing on baba ghanoush found that when compared to cultured dextrose and a control sample a 1% dose of Chiber™ decreased the microbial load of the common food mold, Penicillium aurantiogriseum, to almost undetectable levels within 42 days of inoculation. 

The team also carried out an antimicrobial challenge test on ranch dressing, which is known to be susceptible to yeast, mold and bacteria. The test analyzed samples over a 40-day period, inoculating them with four spoilage microorganisms–Aspergillus niger, Zygosacchoromyces rouxii, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

“Bottled ranch dressing uses artificial preservatives, such as potassium sorbate, to extend shelf life. These types of ingredients are falling out of favor,” said Fisher. “The results of the antimicrobial challenge test on ranch dressing demonstrate the effectiveness of Chiber™ as a shelf life extender, when compared to potassium sorbate and a control.” 

If you host or go to a summer cookout, look for foods that contain Chiber™ to ensure your sauces, dips, condiments and dressing are packed with flavor, stay fresh, and meet your demands for natural and sustainable foods. It’s as simple as looking for ‘white button mushroom extract’ or ‘mushroom extract’ on the ingredient list.