Particle engineering of nutrients for enhanced beverage applications
A mineral optimization approach for beverages using fluid bed technology to engineer and unify the physical and sensory profiles of essential minerals. The process targets improved stability and sensory attributes while delivering essential minerals (potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine) at 10% to 50% of US daily value per 12 oz serving. Suitable for ready-to-drink and ready-to-mix liquid and powder beverage formats, with strong performance at pH below 3.0.
Overview
An advanced particle-engineering approach enhances the nutritional profile of beverages by optimizing concentrations of essential minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine. The goal is for each 12 oz serving to deliver between 10% and 50% of the US daily value while maintaining the sensory qualities expected by consumers. The approach is designed to minimize impact on flavor, texture, and appearance, supporting both ready-to-drink and ready-to-mix beverage formats.
Technical specifications
The technology uses fluid bed processing to modify and unify the physical and sensory profiles of selected minerals. This produces a mineral powder with improved stability and sensory performance, including flavor, texture, mouthfeel, and appearance. Performance is especially strong at pH levels below 3.0. The engineered minerals are intended to provide enhanced performance compared with traditional individually blended minerals and are suited for use in both liquid and powder beverage systems.
Technology readiness level
The solution has achieved Technology Readiness Level 6, indicating validation in relevant environments. Additional validation is planned using differentiated samples compared against unprocessed minerals, evaluating sensory and stability parameters, with a projected timeline of 5–6 months.
About VQ Technologies LLC
VQ Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary and specialized powder processing facility of Vitaquest International, an industry-leading product development and commercialization partner in the nutraceutical and functional food markets. Acquired in 2023, the facility in Paterson, New Jersey, utilizes advanced fluid bed technology to provide highly specialized capabilities, including granulation, agglomeration, microencapsulation, and liquid and powder blending. This infrastructure allows for application-specific product development and pilot and commercial-scale manufacturing of specialty ingredients, which many companies in the industry otherwise outsource.
By integrating these advanced particle engineering capabilities in-house, VQ Technologies enables Vitaquest to offer its customers enhanced product performance, improved manufacturing efficiency, and faster market entry. The facility supports the development of over 4,000 custom formulas annually for hundreds of brands worldwide, helping partners navigate the entire product lifecycle from concept and formulation to manufacturing and packaging. The acquisition underscores Vitaquest's TotalQ™ commitment to quality and expands its service range, positioning the company as a leader in the dietary supplement and functional food commercialization sector.
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