STEER World’s Lifesciences arm introduces novel solutions for taste masking, flavour stabilisation and spice granulation to support evolving demands of India’s functional food sector
STEER World, a global player in materials transformation technology, has announced the launch of an advanced platform for ingredient solutions through its Lifesciences arm, STEERLife. The new offering is aimed at meeting the growing demand of the Indian functional food industry, which is projected to reach approximately USD 25.38 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 per cent from 2024 to 2030.
As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), STEERLife is working to address long-standing formulation challenges such as poor solubility, dispersibility, ingredient bitterness, and stability. The solutions are designed to enhance ingredient functionality and improve product development outcomes.
“Functionalising ingredients is no longer optional; it is essential. Through our proprietary technologies, we’re enabling ingredient transformation at levels as desired by the end user to improve product performance, stability, and sensory outcomes,” said Dr. Pavitra Kumar, Head of the Food Business Division at STEERLife.
STEERLife is using proprietary technologies including Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) and Continuous Granulation to offer a solvent-free approach to re-engineer ingredient functionality. The company is currently collaborating with several industry partners on projects such as:
- Flavour Encapsulation and Stabilisation: Targeting controlled release, extended shelf life and broader applicability across food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.
- Taste Masking of Bitter Actives: Addressing bitterness in ingredients like caffeine and bacopa for improved palatability.
- Granulation of Spice Actives: Improving densification, solubility, flow, and dispersion for use in capsules and other applications.
These ingredient solutions are intended to resolve common formulation roadblocks while enhancing shelf life, taste, mouthfeel, and bioavailability of functional products.
Backed by more than 30 years of engineering experience, STEER World provides a combination of research expertise, materials science capability, and manufacturing infrastructure. The company offers both contract R&D and technology transfer support to partners developing functional food and nutraceutical products.
“Our advanced solutions are helping R&D teams move beyond the limitations of traditional ingredient formats – enabling cleaner labels, better consumer experiences and long-term product success,” said Indu Bhushan, CEO and Director, STEERLife.
