Flaxseed-based creamer: A sustainable and clean-label innovation by Nestle

Consumers today are seeking clean-label, natural, and sustainable food options that also provide nutritional benefits. In the beverage industry, creamers are essential for enhancing mouthfeel, texture, and the whitening effect in drinks like coffee, tea, and cocoa. While traditional dairy creamers and existing plant-based alternatives deliver these functionalities, they often rely on added emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, and buffering agents for stability. This has created a significant gap in the market for plant-based creamers that are both functional and free from additives.

Nestlé’s new patent application addresses this gap with a flaxseed-based creamer that offers clean-label functionality, exceptional stability, and superior nutritional benefits.

At the core of the invention is the use of wet-milled flaxseed, a process that preserves flaxseed’s natural oil body membranes while preventing oxidation and fat coalescence. Unlike dry milling, wet milling extracts soluble fibers, contributing to a homogeneous and stable texture without the need for artificial stabilizers. The result is a creamer that seamlessly blends into beverages while delivering functional benefits.

The flaxseed-based creamer is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and proteins, making it a more nutritious alternative to conventional creamers. It comprises flaxseed oil (5–70%), dietary fibers, and proteins (3–50%), maintaining an optimal ratio to ensure smooth emulsification. Its clean-label formulation means it is free from emulsifiers, buffering salts, and hydrocolloids, aligning with consumer preferences for natural, minimally processed ingredients.

This innovation is adaptable for both liquid and powder formats, ensuring versatility across applications such as coffee, tea, and cocoa creamers. By introducing a flaxseed-based creamer, they are able to combine sustainability and functionality. Flaxseed, as a plant-based ingredient, has a low environmental footprint and aligns with global sustainability goals.