Omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oils continue to make waves on the bread aisle as two bread products containing these healthful fatty acids were introduced. Milford, New Jersey-based The Baker and Arnold Foods, which is a division of George Weston Bakeries, joined Wegmans breads in the growing product category of foods fortified with omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oils. The Baker introduced a whole grain bread with omega-3 fatty acids and Arnold Foods plans to launch Arnold’s Smart & Healthy 100% Whole Wheat bread with omega-3 fatty acids.
All of these products use a fish oil ingredient that is refined into a powder by Ocean Nutrition Canada.
Fish oils contain the essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Food and Drug Administration approved a qualified heart health claim for food products that contain EPA/DHA, as found in fish oils in September. According to Ian Lucas, Ocean Nutrition Canada’s vice president of marketing, many food companies have shown interest in incorporating fish oils into their products, and he expects more product introductions with omega-3 fatty acids to be released in the near future.