Everyday essentials: From noodles to coffee creamer, the firms taking functional foods mainstream

Singapore firm Hiap Giap Food Manufacture has been in the business of making fresh noodles, dim sum skin, dry and cooked noodles since the 1960s.

As part of its strategies to rejuvenate its product offerings, the company last year created the Good Gut Postbiotic Noodles together with fellow Singapore firm Biomiii.

The product innovation is achieved through the use of Miiiome Technology​ developed by research scientist Dr Chia Tet-Fatt, also the co-founder of Biomiii.  

“This innovation came about after meeting Dr Chia from Miiiome Technology. Through his explanation and study about postbiotics, we found a good synergy to embark on this project. ​

“After many rounds of testing and R&D, we are able to achieve better texture and bite for our range of noodles,” ​said Clement Chong, sales and marketing manager, who is also the third generation of the family-run firm.

Consumers will be able to try out the Good Gut Postbiotic Noodles from partnering hawkers and restaurants from the end of Q2. The product will also be available to consumers via online and offline retail. 

Elsewhere in Australia, Melrose is also pushing out new functional foods products. One of its latest launches is a MCT + collagen coffee creamer.

Medium chain triglycerides, or MCT, is added to the product to promote the process of ketosis.

The product development is based on the findings that keto is one of the most searched terms on the internet and collagen being a popular ingredient among consumers, said CEO Nathan Cheong.

“I talked a little bit about the keto lifestyle that we advocate for within Melrose Health and the MCT collagen creamer is really a product that fits into that nicely,” ​he said.  ​

Moving forward, the company is planning to expand its product range by launching new protein, collagen, bone broth supplements, and animal organ-made vitamins. 

Watch the video to find out more.