Consumers today increasingly seek dietary supplements in formats beyond traditional capsules and tablets, and at the same time, are drawn to convenient, science-backed solutions that align with their dynamic lifestyles.
“This opens significant opportunities for manufacturers to develop innovative biotic solutions in formats that can be easily consumed on the go. According to survey data from FMCG Gurus, the proportion of consumers in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region who said they consume supplements in powder formats soared from 3% in 2022 to 30% in 2024.
“Recognising this shift, ADM has leveraged its extensive scientific expertise and formulation capabilities to pioneer FlashMelt, a proprietary technology that reimagines the delivery of dietary supplements,” Lois Mo, APAC Marketing Director of Health & Wellness at ADM, told NutraIngredients-Asia.
Unlike conventional ready-to-eat biotics powder, which can present challenges such as gritty textures, slower dissolution, choking, stickiness and lingering aftertaste, FlashMelt is said to produce a powdered biotics dosage form that dissolves instantly on the tongue without requiring water.
This is said to ensure “optimal probiotic stability and potency”, maintaining efficacy throughout the consumption process.
“FlashMelt biotics offer superior organoleptic properties, such as a refreshing, cool mouthfeel, and smooth texture that elevates the overall consumption experience. Besides enhancing taste, our solution improves accessibility, particularly among children and the elderly, who may find traditional capsules challenging to swallow.
“Furthermore, the instant solubility without requiring mixing or preparation is a level-up in convenience, making it an ideal on-the-go option.”
Currently, the technology has been applied for commercially available biotics products in various markets, including China.
“As consumer priorities continue to gravitate towards long-term wellness, the nutrition industry is rapidly evolving in the development of targeted solutions. Supplement formats are expanding into diverse categories, such as gummies, granola, oatmeal and chocolates, as well as beverages like wellness shots, smoothies, coffee, and ready-to-mix powders.
“In China, for example, probiotics are increasingly incorporated into a wide range of food and beverage products, including yoghurt, milk powder, melt-in-the-mouth candy, cereal, and jelly. It has become especially valuable for companies to meet the growing demand for consumer-friendly, functional nutrition products.”
Focus areas for nutra
In addition to developing new dosage forms, ADM is looking to continue broadening its portfolio with comprehensive and clinically documented ingredients, including prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.
Some of the company’s existing offerings include its proprietary Bifidobacterium longum ES1 probiotic and postbiotic, which have been shown to support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being, with reported benefits, such as reduced dysphoria and food avoidance, and improved body image, among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
On the other hand, DE111 is a spore-forming probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) that boasts “exceptional resilience and stability” in withstanding harsh processing conditions, fluctuating pH levels, and high temperatures. As it can be stored at ambient temperature, it offers manufacturers a versatile probiotic solution that fits into various applications.
Backed by human clinical trials, BPL1 probiotic and postbiotic have demonstrated benefits for metabolic health, particularly in healthy weight management and reducing visceral fat. Its heat stability also makes it an ideal choice for integration into diverse product categories, such as sports nutrition products and better-for-you snacks.
Apart from biotics, ADM is armed with end-to-end microbiome capabilities — from bench-top testing to full-scale production — to help brands create custom products.
“Our expertise includes trend analysis, strain development, clinical evaluation, and commercialisation, providing comprehensive support throughout the entire process.
“Additionally, we are strengthening our presence in APAC through the recent unveiling of our first dietary supplement Customer Creation & Innovation Centre in Shanghai, China. This state-of-the-art facility harnesses ADM’s global technical resources, clinical research, and product innovation capabilities to meet the growing demand for personalised health solutions in the country and across the wider region,” Mo shared.
The firm also has a Research & Development Centre in Wuxi, where the focus is on microbiome research to drive localised technological innovation and optimisation, as well as ensure that ADM’s solutions are tailored to Asian consumers.
