#Japan #Tokyo #elderly care #Global Kitchen #Protein Soup

Global Kitchen's New Nutritional Soup Series

On September 1, Global Kitchen, based in Tokyo's Minato Ward, launched its new "Protein-Enriched Soup and Ingredient Set" aimed at addressing critical nutritional needs in elderly care facilities. This innovative series consists of 16 different varieties of frozen soup that provide over 3.0 grams of protein per serving (120 ml) and specifically targets protein deficiencies among seniors.

Addressing Nutritional and Operational Challenges

Japan's aging population faces pressing nutritional issues, particularly protein deficiency, which is a significant factor leading to conditions like frailty and sarcopenia. Reports by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare emphasize the importance of sufficient protein intake to prevent these health issues. With nearly 20% of elderly individuals in home care experiencing malnutrition and over 50% at risk, similar trends are observed among residents in care facilities.

In addition, kitchens in these facilities often struggle with chronic staff shortages and variable cooking skills, leading to inconsistent food quality and potential choking hazards. The added burden of incorporating supplementary nutritional products complicates kitchen operations, detracting from the time that could be allocated to essential care services.

Features of the New Protein-Enriched Soup Series

The "Protein-Enriched Soup and Ingredient Set" from Global Kitchen was designed to tackle these issues by offering a nutritious and convenient solution tailored for elderly residents. Each serving not only ensures an easy way to intake necessary protein but also maintains delicious flavor, making it an appealing choice for seniors.

High-Quality Protein Made Easy

A standout feature of this product is its high protein content, with each cup providing at least 3.0 grams of protein, derived primarily from collagen peptides known for their easy absorption. Collagen peptides, formed when proteins are broken down into small amino acid chains, promote efficient nutrient uptake, making them suitable for seniors often facing digestive challenges. Recent studies suggest that regular consumption of collagen peptides can aid in maintaining muscle mass and bone health among older adults.

According to Keiko Kamike, a professor at the Women's Nutrition University, the addition of collagen peptides not only boosts protein absorption but also maintains a pleasant taste profile, allowing seniors to enjoy the soup without any unusual aftertaste. The ginger-infused Chinese-style soup has also been highlighted as a recommended product, especially beneficial when consumed during breakfast to effectively boost muscle maintenance.

Kitchens can easily adapt the soup into a porridge-like dish for those struggling with solid food intake. This not only enhances palatability but also offers an opportunity to increase protein consumption further by incorporating beaten eggs.

Diverse Flavors to Keep Meals Interesting

To avoid monotonous meal experiences, the soup series boasts an impressive range of 16 flavors, spanning traditional Japanese miso soups (9 varieties), consommé (4 varieties), and Chinese soups (3 varieties). This variety helps ensure that meals can be paired appropriately, enhancing overall satisfaction and enjoyment.

Operational Efficiency and Consistent Quality

The convenience of the soup makes it an efficient choice for care facilities. With the soup provided as a frozen concentrate alongside dehydrated ingredients, staff simply need to dilute the concentrate in a pot and heat it with the ingredients. This straightforward preparation ensures that even less experienced staff can deliver consistently high-quality meals without compromising flavor and nutrition.

Insights from the Development Team

According to Toyohiro Yahari, the product development lead at Global Kitchen, demand for an easy way to boost nutritional value without compromising on taste or effort has been a recurring theme from care workers. While many facilities provide supplementary products separately, maintaining consistent and cost-effective nutritional intake through delicious meals remains a critical focus. The team emphasized careful attention to the dissolving properties of the soup and minimizing food waste, aiming to improve both resident health outcomes and staff well-being.

Future Developments

Global Kitchen plans to expand its "Protein-Enriched Soup and Ingredient Set" series further by catering to additional needs such as dietary modifications and swallowing support for elderly residents. The company will also offer free seminars to assist facilities with operational and nutritional management, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive support in addressing the nutritional challenges faced in elderly care.

Product Overview

• - Product Name: Protein-Enriched Soup and Ingredient Set
• - Launch Date: September 1, 2025
• - Contents: Collagen peptide-infused concentrated soup + dehydrated ingredients (5 servings)
• - Varieties: 16 (9 miso, 4 consommé, 3 Chinese soups)
• - Protein Content: At least 3.0g per cup (3.0g from collagen peptide)
• - Storage: Frozen (-18°C or lower)
• - Shelf Life: 365 days from the production date
• - Sales Format: B2B for care and elderly facilities, hospitals
• - Price: Inquiries welcome

For more information, visit the contact page for Global Kitchen

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Global Kitchen, Inc.
• - CEO: Yasuto Kamei
• - Location: 2-12-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, PMO Higashi-Shinbashi 8F
• - Phone: 03-6459-0746
• - Business Focus: Product planning, development, and sales of prepared frozen food for elderly facilities, as well as online retail under the "Magono Te Kitchen" brand, and meal support services.
• - Website: Global Kitchen Website