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Thickened juices

Thickened juice is a type of juice that has a thickened consistency, often achieved through the addition of thickeners such as starches or gums. This type of juice is commonly used for individuals who have difficulty swallowing, such as those with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders.

Thickened juice is typically made by adding a thickening agent to the juice, which alters its texture and consistency. The amount of thickener added can be adjusted to achieve the desired thickness, which can range from a slightly thicker consistency to a more pudding-like texture.

Thickened juice is often used as a way to make it easier for individuals with swallowing difficulties to consume fluids and stay hydrated. It is also commonly used in hospitals and care facilities to provide a safe and easy-to-swallow option for patients with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders.

The market scope for thickened juice is primarily focused on individuals with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders who require a modified diet to prevent aspiration or choking. This includes a wide range of individuals, from elderly people in care facilities to patients recovering from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions that affect swallowing.

The global market for dysphagia products, including thickened juices, is expected to grow due to the increasing aging population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and growing awareness of dysphagia as a health issue. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global dysphagia market was valued at USD 17.2 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 23.4 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% during the forecast period.

In addition to healthcare facilities, the market for thickened juice is also expanding in the retail sector, as consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of thickened juice for people with dysphagia or other swallowing difficulties. This has led to the development of new and innovative products by manufacturers, including various flavors and packaging options.

The market scope for thickened juice is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for dysphagia products and the development of new and innovative products by manufacturers.

There are several major players in the market for thickened juice like:

· Hormel Health Labs

· SimplyThick

· Kent Precision Foods Group

· B) Nestle Health Science

· Nutricia

The commercial production of thickened juice involves several steps:

· Ingredient sourcing: The first step is to source the ingredients needed to make the thickened juice, including the juice itself and the thickening agent. The juice may be sourced from various suppliers, while the thickening agent is typically a specialized product that is purchased from a manufacturer.

· Preparation of the thickening agent: The thickening agent, such as starch or gum, must be mixed with water to create a slurry that can be added to the juice. The slurry is typically prepared in large quantities using specialized equipment.

· Mixing the thickening agent with juice: Once the slurry is prepared, it is added to the juice in a mixing tank. The juice and thickening agent are mixed together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the thickener throughout the juice.

· Packaging: The thickened juice is then packaged in containers, which can range from small single-serving cups to large bulk containers. The containers are typically labeled with the product name, ingredients, and nutritional information.

· Quality control: Throughout the production process, the thickened juice is subject to rigorous quality control checks to ensure that it meets safety and quality standards. This includes testing the viscosity, pH, and other parameters to ensure that the product is consistent and safe for consumption.

· Distribution: Once the thickened juice is packaged and quality control checks are complete, it is shipped to retailers, healthcare facilities, and other customers for sale and consumption.

Commercial production of thickened juice involves specialized equipment and expertise to ensure that the product meets safety and quality standards and is suitable for individuals with dysphagia or other swallowing difficulties.