ADM Kao prepares DAG oil debut

ADM Kao is working on a battle plan to launch fat-busting DAG oils (diacylglycerols) in Europe in a range of applications from bottled oils to ingredients in a host of packaged goods.

The oils, which were approved last October for use in the EU in cooking oils, spreads, dressings, mayonnaise, meal replacement drinks, bakery products and yoghurt type products, are derived from soybean and canola oil. While they have a similar energy content to triacylglycerols (TAGs), they are metabolised differently, inducing fat oxidation, suppressing fat accumulation and increasing satiety.

The timetable for the EU launch is being kept strictly under wraps, but director of marketing Paul Tutt said: "We are evaluating DAG oil opportunities for all channels of distribution, including retail, foodservice, and as an ingredient to be incorporated into foods."

In Japan, DAG oil under the Econa brand is the number one selling premium oil. In the US, it is sold under the Enova brand. "The retail price in the US is typically three times more than conventional cooking oils, and slightly lower than extra virgin olive oils,"said Tutt.