Core Ingredients of Original Provita Crispbread
At its foundation, the well-known crispbread from Bakers is a baked product with a relatively simple base, but several other ingredients are necessary for flavor, texture, and preservation. The base recipe for the standard wholewheat variety relies heavily on grains.
Primary Flour Blend
- Wholewheat Flour: Making up a significant portion of the composition, wholewheat flour provides the main structure and high-fiber content for which Provita is known.
- Wheat Flour: This complements the wholewheat flour, contributing to the crispbread's light and crispy texture while balancing the density of the whole grain.
Fats and Sweeteners
- Unhydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Fruit): This fat source is used to achieve the desired crispness and consistency in the baking process. The use of unhydrogenated oil means it is free of trans fats.
- Butter (Milk): Along with the vegetable oil, butter adds flavor and helps with the product's texture.
- Golden Syrup and Glucose Syrup: These sugars are included in small amounts to provide sweetness and assist with the crispbread's color and texture. Both products are derived from sugars and are common in many baked goods.
The Role of Additives in Provita
Beyond the foundational ingredients, several additives are key to the final product's quality, consistency, and shelf life.
Leavening and Fermentation
- Raising Agents (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate): These compounds are crucial for leavening, creating the light, airy pockets within the crispbread during baking.
- Yeast: Used in the baking process, yeast assists with fermentation and contributes to the overall flavor profile.
Emulsifiers and Enzymes
- Emulsifier (E322 - Lecithin): Lecithins, often sourced from soya or sunflower, are used to help combine the fat and water-based ingredients smoothly, ensuring a consistent texture. They are natural and common food additives.
- Proteolytic Enzyme: This enzyme helps break down proteins in the flour, influencing the dough's workability and the final product's texture.
Preservatives and Flavoring
- Sodium Metabisulphite: A preservative often found in glucose syrup, it helps extend the shelf life of the product.
- Malt Extract: Derived from barley, malt extract is a flavoring agent that adds a distinct taste to the crispbread.
Variety-Specific Ingredients
While the classic wholewheat is a benchmark, Provita offers other varieties with unique ingredient profiles, such as the Ancient Grains and Multigrain options. The Ancient Grains version, for instance, includes rye flour, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds in addition to the standard mix, providing extra fiber and a distinct taste.
Comparing Provita Varieties: Wholewheat vs. Ancient Grains
| Ingredient Category | Wholewheat Crispbread | Ancient Grains Crispbread |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | Wholewheat Flour (63%), Wheat Flour | Wheat Flour, Wholewheat Flour (19%), Rye Flour (8%) |
| Fats | Unhydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Fruit), Butter (Milk) | Unhydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Palm Fruit), Butter (Milk) |
| Seeds | None | Sesame Seeds (3%), Poppy Seeds (1%), Chia Seeds (4% in some versions) |
| Sweeteners | Golden Syrup, Glucose Syrup | Golden Syrup, Glucose Syrup |
| Allergens | Gluten, Cow's Milk, Soya | Gluten, Milk, Soya, Wheat, Barley |
| Key Differences | Higher wholewheat flour percentage. | Includes rye and various seeds for different flavor and texture. |
Important Information for Consumers
Those with allergies or specific dietary requirements should pay close attention to the ingredient list. The use of gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley, along with milk and soya products, makes Provita unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or related allergies. It is also important to note that the composition can vary slightly between different products under the Provita brand, as seen with pet supplements or other nutritional products, though these are distinct from the crispbread line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Provita is made primarily from a blend of wholewheat and wheat flours, unhydrogenated vegetable oil, and various additives that give it its signature flavor and long shelf life. The specific ingredients can vary between product types, such as the Ancient Grains variety which includes a richer mix of grains and seeds. While providing a convenient, high-fiber snack, it's essential for consumers with dietary restrictions to check the specific packaging to understand its full composition and allergen warnings. For those seeking more detailed information on food additives, resources like Open Food Facts can be a valuable tool for further research.
