BOUWSTEENTJES AND EASY-TO-EATTREATS TO HELP FIGHT

MALNUTRITION

8 GRAMS OF HIGH-QUALITY PROTEIN PER PORTION

AWARD-WINNINGRECIPE

FROM FRUSTRATION TO INNOVATION IT ALL STARTED IN THE ‘GROENE HART’ HOSPITAL AT GOUDA. THE KITCHEN

MANAGER WAS GROWING FRUSTRATED AS ABOUT 75% OF THE DRINKABLE

NUTRITION WAS RETURNED BY THE PATIENTS THAT WERE IN NEED OF IT. WE

ASKED OURSELVES IF WE COULD COME UP WITH SOMETHING APPETIZING

AND NOURISHING FOR THE PATIENTS TO ENJOY BETWEEN THEIR MEALS.

We developed and produced pastry snack with additional protein in

the shape of a tiny brick, which is why we called it ‘Bouwsteentjes’.

Bouwsteentjes contain whey, an animal protein that contains all the

amino acids which are essential for sick and elderly people. The name

also refers to the nutritional value of amino acids that act as ‘building

blocks’ for the cells.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTBouwsteentjes were introduced in 2008 and met with a fantastic

response. We won two awards for most the innovative product of

the year! This generated a great deal of positive publicity and it

helped to open doors. A careful evaluation of the product helped

us to make it even better.

We then took up the development of a product especially

aimed at people with swallowing problems with to name

‘Easy-to-Eat’. Innopastry was awarded two innovation prizes

for this second product, which goes to show that this type of

product has an added value to offer.

BOUWSTEENTJES WERE UNIQUELY DEVELOPED FOR PATIENTS AND ELDERLY

PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM UNDERNOURISHMENT, OR ARE IN DANGER OF

BECOMING UNDERNOURISHED. FOR EXAMPLE, PEOPLE WHO UNDERWENT

SEVERE SURGERY, ARE SERIOUSLY ILL OR SUFFER FROM CANCER.

Undernourishment does not remain restricted to adults as even children can be inflicted by it. Then there

is the group of elderly people who are no longer able to take proper care of themselves and may find it

difficult to eat food in sufficient quantities. However, in all these cases extra protein is needed to prevent

the body from ‘consuming’ its own muscle tissue.

HIGH-VALUED PROTEINBouwsteentjes are very suitable as tasty additions to the daily menu. Bouwsteentjes are made

of a very light pastry with soft, creamy fillings. There are four tastes to choose from: strawberry,

chocolate, banana and forest fruit.

Bouwsteentjes come as small helpings, comparable with ‘petit fours’. This makes them easy to

eat for people that don’t have big appetites. One portion is equivalent to only 58 grams, yet this

small quantity contains a substantial 8 grams of protein and 191 kcal. An important aspect is, that

Bouwsteentjes contain valuable whey protein for a quick and efficient absorption. This protein

contains all essential amino acids.

Bouwsteentjes contain natural ingredients only.

AWARD-WINNINGRECIPE

BOUWSTEENTJES ARE SOFT AND THEREFORE ALSO SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE

WHO MAY FIND SWALLOWING FOOD DIFFICULT. BUT THEN WE FOUND THAT

THERE ARE LARGE NUMBERS OF PATIENTS WHO HAVE MAJOR DIFFICULTIES

SWALLOWING AND HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO EAT PUREED FOOD, WHICH MAY

NOT BE VERY APPETIZING.

Many of these people have reduced appetites. They are too tired to eat, or even afraid to eat because

of their fear of choking. In addition, they may feel ashamed to eat in public as they eat slowly, or make a

mess. That’s why we decided to develop a special product.

MELTS IN THE MOUTHWe consulted a speech therapist and a researcher in the field of swallowing problems. They advised

us to develop a pastry that does not contain cake, as this would be too cumbersome for patients to

eat. Also, they advised against putting in layers of pureed food. People with swallowing difficulties

tend to eat the pastry layer-by-layer, so they will not be aware of the complete taste of the pastry.

Another aspect is that a new flavour may startle people, which may cause problems swallowing

the food. Thus, we developed Easy-to-Eat which does not contain any cake, but is of the right

consistency.

Easy-to-Eat is based on dairy products and is so soft that it melts in the mouth. It has amylase-

resistent qualities, which makes it easy to swallow. It is suitable for people who have trouble with

swallowing or only feel comfortable with thick-liquids or finely ground or pureed food.

As in the case of Bouwsteentjes, one helping of Easy-to-Eat contains 8 grams of high-value protein.

Easy-to-Eat comes in two flavours: tropical and raspberry. One portion of Easy-to-Eat contains 133 kcal.

Easy-to-Eat contains natural ingredients only.

ADDED PROTEIN, ADDED VALUEWhen it comes to undernourishment, there is a clear demand for other products than the usual

liquid foods and supplements. With our Bouwsteentjes and Easy-to-Eat we put back the pleasure in

patients’ lives, who start to feel better when they are served an attractive pastry.

STAYING HEALTHY AND SELF-RELIANT The market for products like Bouwsteentjes and Easy-to-Eat continues to grow as the numbers of

elderly people increase. Dutch men have an average life expectance of 78,1 years and women of 82,0

years. In 2015 there are twice as many people in Europe in the 55-74 age group than in the 15-24 age

group. Especially the number of the over 70 year-olds is expected to show a considerable increase.

As people grow older they are bound to suffer from ailments. They will also be living on their own for

much longer, which is actively stimulated by the government. Therefore remaining in good health and

self-reliant will pose quite a challenge. Industry can play an active role by providing products that offer

an added-value as far as health and well-being are concerned.

EASY TO EAT, TO STORE AND TO SERVEBouwsteentjes and Easy-to-Eat are a source of high-quality protein. They have a good taste and the

right size. Moreover, they are easy to eat, easy to store and easy to serve, which is important for use

in hospitals and other institutions. Because they are sold frozen, their shelf life is excellent. In four

hours they are ready for consumption. Once they have been taken from the freezer, they can be kept

in a fridge for a maximum of 5 days. Even the price is attractive: in the Netherlands Bouwsteentjes

and Easy-to-eat are sold at €4,99 per package of 4 portions.

THE CATCH OF MALNUTRITIONMalnutrition is a common problem. A Dutch survey shows that 25 to 40% of the elderly patients

in hospitals are undernourished. In nursing homes this applies to 20 to 25% of the elderly

inhabitants. About 15 to 25% of elderly patients who are looked after in their own homes, suffer from

undernourishment. The catch of malnutrition is that it leads to a slower recovery after an illness. This

is estimated to represent about 2% of the healthcare costs in The Netherlands and as such exceeds

the costs connected with obesity.

PREVENTION SAVES COSTSIf malnutrition is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, a patient’s condition and resistance will

improve. And this, in its turn, yields a considerable reduction in additional medical costs.

Bouwsteentjes and Easy-to-Eat provide extra protein in the way that appeals to people as they

combine a high nutritional value with an enjoyable experience.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

INTERESTED?At this moment, Bouwsteentjes and Easy-to-Eat are available in the Netherlands and Belgium only.

However, we are looking for expansion in Europe and beyond so that more people will be able to enjoy

our products. Please contact us if you wish to receive further information about a possible cooperation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.BOUWSTEENTJES.NLOR CONTACT US DIRECTLY:

Huib van Leeuwen +31 6 22 91 63 95, Jeroen Majoor +31 6 53 15 38 99info@bouwsteentjes.nl

NUTRITIONAL VALUE BOUWSTEENTJES EASY-TO-EAT

per 100 g. per portion per 100 g. per portion 58 g. 55 g.

energy 1386 kJ 804 kJ 1027 kJ 557 kJ

330 kcal 191 kcal 245 kcal 133 kcal

fat (g) 14 8 9 5

of which saturates (g) 6 3,5 6 3

carbohydrates (g) 37 21 25 14

sugar (g) 21 12 11,7 6

protein (g) 14 8 14,7 8

salt (g) 0,2 0,1 0,02 0,01