SBIR-STTR Award

This Phase I project seeks to establish the technical feasibility of developing a blended juice concentrate at a bench top level utilizing a novel hybrid membrane juice concentration technology. Antioxidant rich fruit juices are ideally suited for this concentration technology. The blended juice concentrate will be used as a base for food and beverage products developed with an emphasis on nutrients for improved readiness and recovery in combat situations, providing sustained energy, with optimized nutritional support, and will incorporate juices rich in targeted nutrients such as antioxidants to support enhanced energy and cognitive functioning, while providing overall immune system support. The concentrate will meet military requirements for extended shelf life stability, reduced water content and reduced volume while ensuring nutrient retention. In Phase II, the blended juice concentrate will become the base for three distinct individually packaged food items for operational rations to help support and sustain combat effectiveness for our nations Warfighters.

Warfighters are routinely required to carry out missions demanding peak physical fitness, endurance, and sustained mental acuity. Phase I proved the technical feasibility of developing an antioxidant rich blended juice concentrate at a bench top level utilizing a novel concentration technology. Phase II will utilize this technology and superior juice blend concentrate to develop operational rations. These prototypes will achieve targeted weight, volume and water reductions decreasing the soldiers physical load, and elevating nutritional support.