Shelf-Stable Probiotics

HOERSHOLM, DenmarkChr. Hansen and Fresh Beverages International align, making it possible for producers of non-refrigerated beverages to add probiotics to their drinks.

"We are very please to be able to bring the powerful health benefits of our best-selling probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium BB-12, to an entirely new product segment," stated Chr. Hansen's Lars Bredmose, Marketing Director, Probiotic Cultures, "the partnership with Fresh Beverages International offers a convenient way for beverage producers to offer probiotics in virtually any type of drink."

Fresh Beverages International's patented bottle cap system, Shinsen Cap,  was designed to keep the probiotic culture fresh inside the cap until the point of consumption. The combination of cap design and formulation of BB-12 powder allows a shelf life of at least one year at ambient temperature. "The long shelf life is key to entering this segment where distribution is independent of cooling chains and point-of-sale is outside the in-store refrigerators," said Bredmose.