Technical Bulletin
CALIFORINA DRIED PLUMS CREATE
BAKERY PRODUCTS THAT ARE-FIT FOR LIFESITUATION
U. S. population demographics indicate several important trends:•In the year 2000, 35 million individuals (12.4% of the population) fell into thecategory of senior citizen--defined as those 65 years of age and older. By 2080,
roughly 23% of Americans will be part of that demographic. (U. S. CensusBureau)•In 15 years, nearly 21 million Americans are expected to be over the age of 75--4
million more than in 2000. (U. S. Census Bureau)•

While a complete understanding of the nutritional needs of seniors has yet tobe quantified, studies have found age brings a marketed decrease in energy
intake. As the elderly eat less, they often fail to consume the recommended
amount of vitamins and minerals. Seniors require food with high levels ofprotein, vitamins, minerals and, possibly, calories in smaller volumes.
(National Institute of Nutrition)•According to the American Association of Retired Persons, advancing age brings
with it the need for several important dietary modifications, i.e., more calcium,
more fiber and more iron.

•The baby boomer generation (38-57 years of age) numbers more than 75
million. Although they recognize many of the health issues of aging, mostadmit taking few (if any) steps to maintain good health. Consumers in thisgroup are uneasy about aging because they fear loss of attractiveness andcontracting a debilitating disease. (Alliance For Aging Research)•However, baby boomer concerns are not great enough to warrant major changes
in eating and lifestyle habits. While some modest changes can be found, manyof these are maintained only for a short term. Some 86% of boomers say they

have made dietary changes within the past year. Of these, 51% report theyshould be eating more healthy food but are not. The most popular dietarychanges include a move to more healthful food, i.e., fruits and vegetables, aswell as foods with fiber and whole grain breads. (Alliance For Aging Research)
FIT FOR LIFE BAKERY PRODUCTS
Dried plum powders, juice concentrates and purees, when combined with grains,
milk and other ingredients, result in a natural, nutritional line of breads and rolls.
These baked goods, code named Fit For Life, provide much of the necessary
nutritional intake for seniors and aging baby boomers in a convenient, great tasting
form. Fit For Life bakery product benefits include:•Low in fat. No more than 3 grams of fat per serving (2 slices).

•

Only 12% of calories are derived from fat.

•No cholesterol. Less than 2 mg per serving.

•Good source of calcium. At least 10% of the daily value per serving.

•Good source of iron. At least 10% of the daily value per serving.

•High in fiber. At least 20% of the daily value per serving.

•Reduced sodium (37% reduction of sodium versus regular bread).

Other properties include:•

Small loaf (16 ounces).

•

Relatively sweet to encourage consumption either plain or toasted.

•All natural with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or additives.

•

Naturally sweetened with dried plums, prune juice and honey.

•Light in texture.

•

No unusually large grains, seeds or fruits.

•Contains two sources of dried plums, i.e., powder and juice. Rolls contain threesources with the addition of dried plum puree.

Baker opportunities include:•A focused marketing opportunity to reach a large and growing segment of the
population with a unique, nutritious product having attractive profit margins.

•Improved shelf life resulting from dried plum's exceptional humectant
properties.

•Use of many ingredients already in inventory.

Fit For Life bread can be made from a mix formula to be combined with common
bakery ingredients.

FIT FOR LIFE
BREAD MIXFORMULAFit For Life Mix Composition
Crushed wheat
Flaxseed meal
Dried Plum Powder
Calcium sulfate
Non-fat dry milk
Oat fiber
SourPotassium chloride
Total%
32.0
9.6
9.6
4.8
9.6
25.6
6.4
2.4
100.0

Bread Formula
Patent Flour
Fit For Life Mix
Prune Juice Concentrate
Canola oil
Water
Honey
Cream yeast
Wheat Gluten
Salt

100.0
40.0
5.0
3.75
86.0
9.0
8.8
5.0
1.25

(Or compressed 5.2%)

Fit For Life bread can also be made into buns and rolls. Dried plum puree issubstituted for dried plum powder to achieve a slightly lighter color with a lessdense texture.

FIT FOR LIFE
ROLL/BUN MIX
FORMULAFit For Life Mix Composition
Crushed wheat
Flaxseed mealDried Plum Puree
Calcium sulfate
Non-fat dry milk
Oat fiber
Sour
Potassium chloride
Total%
32.9
9.8
7.2
4.9
9.8
26.3
6.6
2.5
100.0

Roll/Bun Formula
Patent Flour
Fit For Life Mix
Prune Juice Concentrate
Canola oil
Water
Honey
Cream yeast
Wheat Gluten
Salt

100.0
40.0
5.0
3.75
86.0
9.0
8.8
5.0
1.25

(Or compressed 5.2%)

For further information contact:
California Dried Plum Board
1-800-729-5992
www.CaliforniaDriedPlums.org