Tackling Childhood Obesity with Innovation
From 2018 to 2022, the STOP project – funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme – brought together 24 research and advocacy organisations to tackle one of Europe’s most pressing health challenges: childhood obesity.
Pennotec was proud to be part of this mission, leading one of three industry-led pilot projects designed to test new, practical solutions. Our focus? A new “food concept” that makes healthier eating easier for families, schools, and communities.
Our Innovation: Dietary Fibre Puree
We developed a functional apple fibre puree that can replace part of the fat and sugar in meals, helping to create lower-calorie dishes without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Versatile use: Works in both school kitchens and home cooking.
- Budget-friendly: Helps meals go further while improving nutritional value.
- Sustainable: Made from natural, sustainable resources.
Real-World Impact
Through trials in schools and community settings, we found:
- Over 90% of children enjoyed the lower-calorie desserts made with our puree.
- Kitchen staff preferred it for dessert recipes, with no noticeable difference in taste or texture compared to standard recipes.
- Home users responded best when the puree was included in meal kits with clear recipes and tips.
A Step Toward Healthier Futures
Our work with the STOP project has shown that small, smart innovations can make a big difference in how children eat — and how healthy habits are formed. We continue to explore ways to bring this technology to more schools, families, and food producers across Europe.
