The Taste Podcast presents an engaging episode featuring our host Robert Strik and his guest Frank Hofman, a food engineer and product developer from Astra Sweets NV in Belgium. With a combined experience of 75 years, they delve into the intricate world of taste and technology. Frank's expertise lies in developing starch-moulded confectionery, with a focus on gelatin replacement, clean label products, and encapsulated ingredients.

The conversation explores challenges in the candy industry, particularly concerning animal-derived components like gelatin. Frank shares his efforts to create affordable, animal-free candies while addressing ethical and dietary concerns. They discuss the technical complexities of gelatin alternatives and efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of candy production.

Inspired by changing consumer preferences, Frank aims to develop inclusive and sustainable candy options. They discuss alternatives to gelatin and animal-free products, highlighting the importance of innovation and environmental considerations. The episode concludes with a call to stay updated on further insights and developments.

Overall, this Taste Podcast episode showcases the importance of adapting to market trends, meeting consumer demands, and embracing innovation in the food industry.

Guest: Frank Hofman

Want to know more? 

Follow the links below 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-hofman-01570714/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/astra-sweets/ 

https://www.astrasweets.com/productie/duurzaamheid/

Robert Strik

Passion for taste has a name, and that name is Robert Strik. His discoveries in the field of taste experience are legendary, with forty years of pioneering work in the food industry to prove it. His wealth of experience and boundless flow of taste and flavour ideas form the base stock of this podcast series.

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