Crumb coated snacks: More crunch and less fat

Crisp Sensation Holding SA has developed a new technology for a snack coating, that has been scientifically proven to retain its crispness after preparation in both microwave and combination ovens.

When kept warm for lengthy periods, ready meals using this technology do not become soggy.

Test series at Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research have also confirmed that snackfoods with a Crisp Sensation coating keep their authentic taste and texture, even after storage times of more than nine months.

The technology is now ready to come to market, opening up an array of new possibilities for breaded frozen food manufacturers.

Chicken nuggets, fish fingers and cheese or vegetable sticks using the new coating technology can be prepared conveniently in a microwave or oven to produce a crisp initial bite, followed by a juicy and succulent core.

As snack products using Crisp Sensation do not have to be fried by the consumer before consumption and due to their unique manufacturing process, they end up with a much lower fat content than comparable commercial products.

Up to approximately 70% less fat can be achieved, making them an alternative for health conscious consumers looking for a quick and convenient snack.

The results of a scientific study by Food & Biobased Research clearly confirm the superiority of Crisp Sensation coatings when it comes to shelf-life.

The technology was tested by a taste panel that was given chicken nuggets with the new coating and reference products from a Dutch company.

The samples were prepared in microwaves with and without 'crisp' functions as well as in a convection oven.

In all cases, the Crisp Sensation snacks were found to be significantly crispier than the commercial product.

Moreover, a break test and an acoustic crunch test showed that even after long-term storage of more than nine months, the microwaveable products maintained their technological and sensory properties.

Additionally, it has been found that ready meals made with Crisp Sensation retain their crispness and do not become soggy when kept warm for lengthy periods before being eaten.

All of the ingredients are in line with EFSA and FDA guidelines.