SELAH, WASH. — Tree Top, Inc. added a drum-dried pumpkin flake powder ingredient to its plant-based portfolio on June 17, answering consumer demand for recognizable ingredients with health benefits for pets. The ingredient is also applicable for human food and beverage applications.

Pumpkin contains vitamins C and A, which offer immune system support, as well as folate and iron, which can support skin health and antibody production, according to Tree Top. Pumpkin also provides dietary fiber as a prebiotic to support digestive health.

Additionally, this versatile orange produce is teeming with antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, all of which help mitigate free radicals and prevent damage to cells within the body. They may also reduce the risk of eye diseases, Tree Top stated.

“Pumpkin is a natural fit with our other wholesome fruit ingredients,” said Jeannie Swedberg, director of customer development and marketing at Tree Top. “We’re seeing growing demand for plant-based ingredients with functional benefits. Pumpkin is not only sweet and delicious, it’s packed with an impressive array of phytonutrients and antioxidants that are associated with wellness benefits, such as immune and digestive health. Rather than just a seasonal ingredient, we see pumpkin becoming valued and used as a year-round super fruit.”

Pumpkins used in Tree Top’s new powder ingredient are grown and harvested in Washington, pureed and dried without the use of preservatives.

The dried pumpkin ingredient is low in calories and fat, but dense in nutrients. It can also naturally enhance the color or flavor of a formulation and can be used as an alternative to flour or sugar. Processors can control the viscosity of this ingredient by adding water as needed. Pumpkin is also seen as a “clean” ingredient, and product developers can incorporate claims such as “made with real fruit” into the product attributes.

Learn more about this new drum-dried pumpkin ingredient on Tree Top’s website.

Read more about product development, ingredients and formulation.