The innovation director guarantees that the ice cream has neither a fishy taste nor a fishy smell
A Brazilian company has just launched a tilapia protein-based popsicle that will soon be sold in major supermarket chains with pistachio, semi-sweet dark chocolate and white chocolate flavored toppings. New flavors are already in production: strawberry, banana and açaí complete the brand’s line.
“Being able to bring the benefits of fish into a dessert is revolutionary. I’ve done a lot of research in Brazil and abroad and I haven’t found anything similar,” says David Gomes, director of innovations at the Brazil Fish group
The idea was to create a tasty, nutritious and healthy product. At a recent event the ice lolly won the award for one of the most innovative products in the seafood sector and Ana Maria Braga also wanted to try the new product on Globo’s “Mais Você”. “It doesn’t smell or taste fishy, it’s a delicious ice lolly,” adds David.
Ramon Amaral, director of Brazil Fish, a company from Santa Fé do Sul, São Paulo, which has been investing in tilapia for 17 years, spoke about the idea of an innovative popsicle.
“It is composed of the protein of tilapia, this healthy, tasty, nutritious and boneless fish that has changed the habits of Brazilian consumers. Since we have the basis of this protein, we decided to make this product for this public that wants to eat better and healthier “, he said.
“The point is to turn a powerful protein, so healthy, that has so many health benefits, into a delicious dish that you can give to your child,” she adds.
The popsicle contains seven grams of protein, 140 calories and contains no sugar. Plus, it contains collagen and is low carb, with 11 grams of carbs.
Versatile tilapia
According to David, the proposal was born from the idea of diversifying the consumption of tilapia in Brazil. “Proving that it is not simply a fillet like we are used to eating in a healthy dish. Tilapia is very versatile. The biggest proof of this is GelaFish, we have always raised the question of whether someone who doesn’t really like fish could eat, for those who are doing a pre-workout that is a source of protein, why not offer tilapia as an easy option,” he said.
The technology used is the same used to extract proteins from milk and the idea is to partner with a gym chain to sell them there too.
“It’s not a tilapia-flavored popsicle like some thought. It has a milk flavor, a chocolate flavor, an ice cream flavor. We provide the protein from the tilapia so it’s healthy and high in protein. It has all the nutrients that come from tilapia”.
Popsicles are expected to sell for between R$6 and R$7, plain and crunchy shell flavors are expected to cost between R$13 and R$14, all featuring high protein content.
Can people allergic to fish consume ice lollies?
Even though it is made only of tilapia protein, the company does not recommend consuming the product for those with a fish allergy because some may end up with a fishy aftertaste. “To be on the safe side, we have included a warning for allergy sufferers on our packaging,” explains David.
More tilapia desserts are coming!
The company teases that the popsicle is just one of the desserts launched with tilapia protein. Six more innovative products are expected to hit the market soon. “We come with innovations that are well outside the box, in the next few months we will launch some sweet products and some from this protein and healthy line. They are all products that do not exist on the market”, says David. The company has already launched tilapia coxinha and pururuca.
Fish options for a light and healthy meal
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
