The modern food market leaves no room for chance. Consumers expect a product that not only tastes good but also looks appealing and has the right texture. Trends in food processing are increasingly shifting manufacturers’ focus towards the overall eating experience – encompassing colour, flavour, aroma, crispness, juiciness and the stability of the product after heat treatment. Even the sound is becoming increasingly important – that characteristic crunch affects how the final product is perceived and is a desirable feature that actually influences purchasing decisions.
Breading – more than just a product layer
At PROMAR, we take a holistic approach to the design of coatings, considering them a key factor in determining the nature of the final product and the quality of the consumer experience. The desired result can only be achieved if the flavour, texture and process parameters are fully integrated. The result of this approach are crispy batters that meet the expectations of today’s consumers.
This also means taking a flexible approach to each customer’s individual needs. At PROMAR, depending on the customer’s requirements, we offer both complete coating systems and their selected stages.In industrial practice, the most commonly discussed method is the three-stage coating system, but there are also two-layer and multi-layer systems. We recommend a comprehensive solution to food manufacturers, as it offers the greatest control over the end result.
Coating systems by PROMAR
A complete coating system from PROMAR consists of three stages:
- Predust – it dries the surface of the product, improves the adhesion of subsequent layers, evens out the surface of the raw material, and enhances the flavour.
- Batter – it is responsible for the texture, contributes to the structure and crispness, influences water retention, and enhances the product’s flavour profile.
- Breader – it is responsible for attractive appearance, forming the outer layer and thus creating the texture.
Each stage is carried out on production lines, which means that full repeatability and precise adjustment of parameters are essential. The combination of a properly prepared surface, well-designed layers and process control ensures that our breading coatings for meat, vegetables, cheeses and other food products are stable, visually appealing and tailor-made.
Breading coatings vs market expectations
The market clearly shows that consumers expect more refined products. What matters is no longer simply whether there is a coating, but its texture, colour, and how it behaves during frying or baking, as well as whether it dominates the base product or serves as the perfect complement to it. Nowadays, the coatings for finished products must be designed with precision, taking into account the type of raw material, the processing method, and the desired end result.
This is particularly evident in convenience products – such as chicken fillets, nuggets and breaded cheese – which go straight onto the shop shelf as ready-to-heat products. In their case, it is not only the result immediately after production that matters, but also how the product performs after heat treatment at home. Maintaining crispness under such conditions is no accident. It requires the right functional additives, balanced spices and production process parameters, and, above all, the team’s experience and expertise.
A modern coating must simultaneously:
- ensure lasting crispness – even after reheating,
- limit fat absorption during treatment,
- retain moisture and enhance the juiciness of the product,
- adhere evenly to the surface, improving the appearance of the finished product.
Trends in breading – more than just crispness
Current trends in food processing clearly indicate the direction in which the entire industry is heading. Crispness is becoming increasingly important, but in a broader sense – as an element of the experience that combines texture, sound, and visual perception.
Less obvious colour options for coatings, such as shades of orange, dark colours and contrasting combinations, are also becoming increasingly popular. They help create a more distinctive characteristic of the product on the shelf. Products of this kind are catching the eye of consumers, particularly those from Generation Z, who are increasingly looking for something more distinctive and are more willing to try bolder combinations of flavours and colours.
Industrial coating systems – efficiency and reduced loss
The most important thing for the manufacturing plant is that the process is stable and cost-effective. Modern industrial coating systems not only improve product quality but also enhance control over the entire process. Well-designed industrial coating systems minimise raw material wastage and allow for better control of product parameters. Given the rising cost of raw materials, this has a direct impact on production profitability.
Breading is widely used in many market sectors today. This applies not only to the meat industry, but also to dairy products and vegetables.Solutions of this type are most commonly used for breading ingredients such as:
• poultry (chicken, turkey), pork and processed meat products, e.g. nuggets,
• cheeses such as Camembert, mozzarella, and processed cheese,
• plant-based alternatives and other plant-based products.
In addition to traditional coating systems, tempura is also very popular, as it produces a light, distinctive coating. It is often used for coating tenderloins, nuggets, chunks and products inspired by Asian cuisine.
More crispness, fewer compromises
Breading remains one of the strongest trends in the convenience and B2C retail sectors. With the growing popularity of ready meals that consumers can quickly prepare at home, the importance of the quality of the batter is set to increase. A well-crafted coating not only adds flavour and changes the product’s appearance but can also move the consumer to a world of culinary inspiration through the use of carefully selected spices and flavour combinations.
If the aim is to obtain modern breading that meets market requirements, it is not enough to focus on just one aspect. The key lies in combining flavour, technology, texture, and a well-designed production process. It is this that allows us to achieve the effect that really sets the product apart.
That’s exactly how we operate at PROMAR. We invite representatives of companies seeking effective industrial coating systems for their products to get in touch.
