Wendy's Supa Sundaes has added the antioxidant Vinlife, developed by Tarac Technologies, to its existing Wendy's Chocollo brand, which will be relaunched over coming months. It is the first time the ingredient will be made commercially available to Australian consumers.
The product, derived from the seeds and fruit of Australian grapes, has been shown to improve the ability of the arteries to expand in response to a need for greater blood flow. It does not change the sensory quality of foods and complements the antioxidants already present in the chocolate content of the new ice cream, says Grahame Tonkin, managing director of Tarac Technologies.
Such a product would however cause strong reaction from consumer groups in Europe, currently campaigning to ensure that sugary or fatty foods cannot carry nutrient or health claims, proposed by a forthcoming European regulation.
But Shane Radbone, group CEO of Wendy's Supa Sundaes, said the product roll-out, to Wendy's 270 Australian outlets, will give it an edge over the competition during the busy summer season.Wendy's 99% fat free Chocollo, which is endorsed by Australia's National Heart Foundation, was originally launched in 1997 and obtained sales in excess of four million units in its first few years.
"By re-launching the brand as Australia's first antioxidant-enriched ice-cream we are looking to increase sales above these levels. Such success directly resulting from answering the growing need within the Australian market for super foods that taste great, and are extra good for you," said Radbone.
"Squarely aimed at mums with an interest in nutrition, the new and improved Wendy's Chocollo product not only offers consumers a guilt-free indulgence, but one serve also contains the natural antioxidants found in one serve of grapes while not affecting the taste," he added.
Vinlife products have been approved for use as a food by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and by the European authorities. It is available in two forms - grape seed extract and grape skin extract.