At Paragon Pure, our commitment to sustainability and nutrition finds a powerful expression in our focus on innovative products, like OléBK™, a plant-based butter created from rice bran. These efforts are not just about offering alternatives; they are about setting new standards in the food industry.
Rice, the world’s third most abundant grain, yields over 500 million tons annually. The processing of this rice results in approximately 70 million tons of rice bran, a byproduct teeming with valuable nutrients such as fiber, proteins, and oils, along with bioactive compounds like oryzanols, phytosterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. Traditionally underutilized, rice bran presents a significant opportunity for sustainable practices through upcycling.
The Underexplored Treasure of Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil, extracted from the outer layer of rice grains, is a prime example of how upcycling can create value from what would otherwise be a waste product. Despite the potential to produce over 7.5 million tons of oil, less than a quarter of this is currently utilized. The chemistry, nutrition, processing, and applications of rice bran oil are extensively covered in literature, such as Rice Bran and Rice Bran Oil: Chemistry, Processing and Utilization (edited by Ling-Zhi Cheong and Xuebing Xu) — which underscores its potential as a sustainable and nutritious ingredient.
At Paragon Pure, we are particularly excited about rice bran oil’s ability to replace tropical oils, which are often criticized for their environmental footprint. Our products, derived from rice bran oil, are designed to reduce the strain on sensitive forest ecosystems affected by the cultivation of palm and coconut oils. These innovative ingredients are not only lower in saturated fats and contain antioxidants but also boast a high smoke point, making them ideal for a variety of cooking and baking applications.
OléBK™: Revolutionizing Plant-Based Bakery Items
One of our standout innovations from rice bran is OléBK™, also known as rice bran butter. This product is crafted from upcycled rice bran, offering a healthier and sustainable alternative to traditional fats used in baking. With lower saturated fat compared to tropical oils and zero cholesterol, OléBK™ is perfect for consumers seeking plant-based options that do not compromise on taste or texture.
OléBK™ shines particularly in bakery applications where it can directly replace dairy butter. Its effectiveness is evident in products like croissants, cookies, shortbreads, pastries, cupcakes, frostings, buttercreams, and bakery fillings. By using OléBK™, food manufacturers and bakeries can not only enhance the nutritional profile of their products but also address the growing demand for cleaner, ethically sourced ingredients.
Our Mission and Vision
Our journey at Paragon Pure is driven by the dual goals of sustainability and superior nutrition. By harnessing the potential of rice bran oil and its derivatives, we aim to offer food industry professionals innovative ingredients that align with contemporary dietary trends and environmental consciousness.
Through our products like OléBK™, we are setting new benchmarks in the food production landscape, fostering a future where sustainability and health go hand in hand.
Want to learn more about Paragon Pure’s plant-based ingredients? Or perhaps sample some? Contact us today!