An Appetizing Idea
Almost five years ago, Rick Kiley, president of Source Food Technology, Inc.of Minneapolis, Minnesota, developed an innovative cholesterol- free shortening called Appetize®. With the help of Max Norris, from the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), Rick hoped to find a market for his healthy and nutritious creation.
Rick worked closely with scientist K.C. Hayes from Boston’s Brandeis University Rosenstiel Research Center in developing the formula for Appetize®. Touted as an all-natural, patented blend of tallow and non-hydrogenated corn oil, Appetize® contains no trans-fats from hydrogenation because it requires no hydrogenation. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has been warning about the dangers of trans-fat, the ‘phantom fat’, for more than five years. Dr. Hayes calls trans-fats contained in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil “the biggest disaster in the U. S. food supply.”
Many health experts believe that trans-fats are even worse for the heart than saturated fats found in dairy and meat products and in certain vegetable oils (coconut and palm oil). Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States. Deep fat fried foods contribute 75% of the trans-fats in the American diet. When Dr. Hayes discovered Appetize® reduced blood cholesterol in lab animals, Rick asked Craig Hassel, a University of Minnesota Extension nutritionist, to conduct human trials. AURI then matched funds for the study and provided technical support.
“It’s [now] found in places like Grandma’s restaurants, Timber Lodge Steak Houses, and Goodfellow’s restaurant in Minneapolis,” Rick says. Appetize® is available in several different forms, but is primarily used for deep fat frying. In 1992, Source Food Technology acquired exclusive worldwide rights to Appetize® shortening
A Sisterly Study
The Sisters of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota (29 post-menopausal nuns) agreed to take part in the study. In three separate trials in 1993-94, the women consumed food made with Appetize®. In the spring of 1995, the results showed average blood cholesterol levels dropped by about 15 points. That study made it possible for Rick to claim that Appetize®is the only shortening to lower consumer cholesterol levels.
Bunge, Inc., a worldwide oils and fats manufacturer, manufactures Appetize® from its Fort Worth, Texas plant while the Sysco Corporation handles national distribution. Source Food Technology manufactures and distributes Appetize® in Minnesota through food and bakery distributors who serve supermarket delis, retail bakeries, foodservice, health/care/hospitals, the military and industrial users.
A Fry for Life
“Appetize has a long fry life, great taste, super mouth feel and contains no man-made ingredients,” Rick says. “That helps sell this product.” It’s flavorful taste and healthful benefits helped it win the prestigious Food Processing Award in 1995 for “the most significant contribution to the food and beverage processing industry.” This distinction is awarded once every two years by an independent panel of industry experts.
Currently, Source Food Technology employs eight people in Burnsville. “We think we’re being very successful,” Rick says. “We’re certainly not to the point where we’re a profitable company yet. Nevertheless, we’re very pleased with how it’s going and especially with the reception we’ve received.”