FAQ’s

Provian is made by neutralising organic acids, organic compounds with antibacterial properties naturally found in foods. Provian causes a disruption of processes within the bacteria, causing energy depletion and therefore preventing growth. The key ingredient in Provian that guarantees food safety is acetate, but some Provian products also contain other organic salts such as lactates and diacetates.

The Provian clean label range (Provian Plus, Provian NDV and Provian NDVs) are made from natural vinegar to produce outstanding preservation ingredients that can be used in products with a natural claim.

Both lactates and acetates are organic acids that can be used for food preservation, produced from lactic and acetic acid, respectively. However, acetates have been shown to be up to seven times more effective than lactates at preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Acetates are the key ingredient in Provian.

Provian is made from organic acid salts, primarily acetates, which are absorbed into the moisture in all food products, where bacteria and pathogens grow. Organic acids cross the bacterial membrane to cause pH disorder, in turn causing energy depletion and therefore inhibiting growth. As a premium product, Provian will continue to inhibit growth, and therefore keep food safe, over an extended period of time.

Provian can be used to ensure the safety of all kinds of processed food products. This includes meat, poultry, seafood, meat alternatives, RTE meals, snacks and spreads. Provian is produced as a free-flowing dry product – so it is easy to transport, store and apply and is also ideal for clean label, vegan and low sodium food products.

The exact dosage required varies from product to product but can be calculated with the aid of both the Food Safety and Spoilage Predictor (FSSP) model and the experts here at Niacet. Because all Provian preservatives are made from highly effective acetates, they require a relatively low dosage usually in the range of 0.5% -1% w/w.

Provian is produced as a free-flowing 100% pure, dry powder or agglomerate. The advantage of this compared to a liquid solution is that Provian is easier to transport and store. Provian is delivered in secure bags that protect against environmental factors during transport and storage, guaranteeing the product’s specifications for the duration of its shelf-life.

Provian is made from organic acids and nothing more, therefore Provian can be used in vegetarian and vegan foods. For meat alternatives, the new Provian Plus preservative is ideal for keeping food safe, as it contains added calcium, which adds a satisfying, firm texture to plant-based alternatives. Provian products made from fermented vinegar are also available as clean label ingredients.

There are a wide range of preservatives in the Provian range, including clean label solutions in Provian NDV, NDVs and Plus, which are based on naturally fermented vinegar. Since vinegar is the natural equivalent of acetic acid and acetates, made by fermentation, clean label Provian products are considered natural.