Health indulgence seminar

Exploring new opportunities in sweet applications

Recently, Barentz held a seminar in Belgium, bringing together customers for a focused exploration of one of the most dynamic developments in food innovation: healthy indulgence. Centered on the idea that enjoyment and nutritional value can go hand in hand, the event highlighted how sweet applications can evolve to meet rising consumer expectations around balance, functionality and pleasure. 

Through presentations, tastings and discussion, participants discovered how innovation in sweet categories can respond to today’s market demands. Topics included protein enrichment, fiber support, sugar reduction, gut health and more mindful forms of indulgence, showing how manufacturers can create products that remain appealing while delivering added nutritional value.  

Many concept inspirations were highlighted during the seminar, including a high-protein tiramisu-style bar, healthy ageing bites and a high-protein & fiber dessert. More than isolated product ideas, these concepts reflected a broader shift in the market: the move from general better-for-you positioning toward more precise, need-based sweet applications. The tiramisu-style bar illustrated how indulgent formats are being redefined to deliver stronger nutritional relevance without losing their emotional appeal. The healthy ageing bites, on the other hand, showed how sweet snacking can increasingly be adapted to life-stage expectations and more targeted wellbeing needs. The high-protein and fiber dessert added another perspective, showing how layered indulgent formats can combine taste, texture and nutritional value in a way that feels both contemporary and accessible. Together, these examples demonstrated that healthy indulgence is no longer simply about making products lighter or more balanced. It is about creating concepts that are both enjoyable and intentionally designed around specific consumer motivations. This is where the trend becomes particularly meaningful for brands, as it opens the way to more distinctive positioning, greater relevance, and stronger innovation potential in sweet categories. 

More than a seminar, the event created a space for inspiration, exchange, and concrete innovation thinking. By connecting market trends with application expertise, it offered attendees fresh perspectives on how to develop sweet products that satisfy both evolving health expectations and the enduring desire for indulgence. 

Concept information 

High protein Tiramisu bar 

Barentz's high protein tiramisu bar is an indulgent snack packed with protein. This bar is suitable for anyone who wants to enrich their diet with additional proteins. The combination of high quality ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, calcium caseinate and milk protein contribute to a smooth mouthfeel, soft texture and nutritional benefits. 

The milk protein is specifically formulated to enhance texture over shelf life, while the calcium caseinate is included for its high protein content and nutritional quality. The inclusion of hydrolyzed collagen offers multiple health benefits, including support for muscle recovery, bone and joint health, as well as promoting the health of skin, hair, and nails. To create the authentic tiramisu experience, mascarpone cheese powder and coffee flavor are included. Additionally, the bars can be customized with various flavors or inclusions like chocolate chips, nuts or fruit pieces. 

Nutritious & Safe 
Due to the high protein content of the bars, a high protein claim can be made. To further improve the nutritional value, the concept can be fortified with a vitamin-mineral premix and/or other micro health ingredients. Support can be provided with the usage of nutritional and health claims. 

Healthy ageing bites 

This snack is a healthy in-between for people who want to age consciously. It is loaded with protein, fiber and essential nutrients, making it a perfect snack for older adults. After the age of 50, the body requires less energy, while the need for protein increases. An adequate protein and energy intake throughout the day helps prevent malnutrition and improves overall quality of life. 

These healthy ageing bites contain milk protein, hydrolysed bovine collagen, and pea protein. The milk protein is especially developed for nutritional fillings and provide short texture and no post-hardening over time. The hydrolyzed collagen peptides contribute to healthy joints, bones and skin. Additionally, the bites contain a premix for cognitive and brain health, Creavitalis and DHA. The vitamin-, and mineral-premix consist of Vitamin B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, biotin, iodine & magnesium. Creavitalis contains creatine and is an essential nutrient for body components having a high energy demand for the heart, muscles, brains and immune system. 

For healthy ageing, it is in particular important for maintaining muscle mass and cognitive health. The DHA from algae is part of the omega-3 fatty acids and supports healthy triglyceride levels, brain performance and normal vision. 
 

Nutritious & Safe 
Consuming two healthy ageing bites of 10 gram, provides 15% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, biotin, iodine and magnesium. With this amount, several authorized EFSA health claims can be made, such as contribution to normal cognitive & muscle function and reduction of tiredness. The bites are high in protein, high in fiber and a source of omega-3 fatty acids. The consumption of two healthy ageing bites also provides 3 gram of creatine, allowing the following authorized health claim: “Improvement of muscle strength/function in individuals above 55 years who regularly perform resistance training".

High protein & fiber dessert 

Barentz’ High protein & fiber dessert combines high protein short cake crumbles, high protein and fiber custard and fresh raspberries for a delicious treat. The delightful combination of rich chocolate shortcake, creamy custard and juicy raspberries makes this dessert not only indulgent but also beneficial boost for those looking to increase their protein and fiber intake. Each spoon offers a balance of textures and flavors. Enriched with pea, milk proteins and prebiotic soluble fiber, this dessert does not compromise on taste. It's perfect for celebrations, health-conscious desserts, or simply as a delicious snack.  

Nutritious & Safe  

Due to the high protein and fiber content of the total dessert, a high protein and fiber claim can be made. To further improve the nutritional value, the concept can be fortified with a vitamin-mineral premix and/or other micro health ingredients. Support can be provided with the usage of nutritional and health claims.