Ascofresh™, a functional ingredient from Nagase Viita, has received the Award of the Director-General for Policy Planning and Coordination, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), in the Food Ingredients and Materials category at the 11th Nursing Care Food and Smile Care Food Competition (organized by The Japan Food Journal, with support from MAFF).
About the Competition
This competition honors outstanding products available in Japan in the field of nursing care food and Smile Care Food*, aiming to improve product quality and expand the market. It covers a wide range of products designed to meet diverse nutritional and lifestyle needs, from foods for individuals with chewing or swallowing difficulties to those that prevent malnutrition, enhance everyday comfort, and support health-conscious lifestyles.
Ascofresh™ is a stable form of vitamin C developed using Nagase Viita’s enzyme technology. Compared to conventional vitamin C, it offers superior stability against heat and light, enabling consistent performance throughout food processing.
In this competition, Ascofresh™ was selected for its contribution to enhancing vitamin C fortification, maintaining product quality, and preserving taste in the development and manufacturing of nursing care food and Smile Care Food products.
*Smile Care Food is a term established by MAFF to refer to a new category of nursing care foods designed for older people with reduced chewing or swallowing ability, as well as for those who require support in preventing malnutrition.
Expanding Applications of Ascofresh™
With its high stability and ease of handling, Ascofresh™ is widely used across a range of applications, particularly in nursing care and nutrition.
Liquid diets and nutritional supplements Even in multi-nutrient formulations, it helps minimize taste changes and unwanted odors, supporting smoother product development.
Long-shelf-life foods Its excellent stability helps maintain vitamin C content over extended periods and extends product shelf life.
Everyday food products The ingredient is increasingly used in a wide range of products, including beverages and desserts, to support everyday nutrition.
Nagase Viita will continue to work with partners in the nursing care food and Smile Care Food sectors to deliver safe, reliable, and high-value food ingredients that support better nutrition and everyday wellbeing.
About the Nursing Care Food and Smile Care Food Competition This award program aims to improve the quality and expand the market of nursing care foods in Japan. It includes nursing care food and Smile Care Food, as well as products with similar functions available in the Japanese market. The competition is not limited to foods for people with chewing or swallowing difficulties; it also includes products that help prevent malnutrition, enhance everyday comfort, and support health-conscious lifestyles, addressing a wide range of needs. Nursing Care Food and Smile Care Food Feature – The Japan Food Journal (online edition, Japanese only) |
