Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Health Canada approved health claim for barley in July 2012. The claim allows food manufacturers to make health claim for lowering blood cholesterol provided the food contains at least 1 g of beta-glucan per serving. Depending on the variety of barley used, this is equivalent to 12 - 22 grams of raw barley per serving of a food item. Many people rely on the food service industry for their daily meals. These people typically eat at cafeterias or restaurants as a part of their work or living arrangement. There is an opportunity to reformulate common food service items to incorporate barley in different forms to enhance the healthy options for working and institutionalized people. The chef must reformulate menu items to deliver the required amount to make a heart health claim. These items must be commonly served and consumed but maintain taste and convenience. Items developed will be nutritionally tested to ensure a minimum of 1 gram of beta gluten is available in one serving.