Columbia, MD (July 13, 2010) - CrispTek, LLC, headquartered in Howard County’s Center for Business and Technology Development’s NeoTech Incubator, announced agreements with two major US food distributors that have placed Choice Batter ® in over 300 grocery stores across the country.  The two food distributors are United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) and Kehe Food Distributors.  “The agreements with UNFI and Kehe have allowed us to place Choice Batter ® on the shelves in a number of major grocery store chains, such as Giant, Stop and Shop, Martins, and HEB, as well as many independent stores”, said Wayne Swann, managing partner.

Choice Batter ® is a gluten-free rice-flour-based batter coating that reduces the oil absorbed in fried foods. “Choice Batter ® addresses two major health issues - the over consumption of oils in fried foods, and gluten intolerance - while delivering excellent textural and taste qualities”, said Ron Friedman, president.  “These are important factors if we are to address childhood obesity, develop healthier school lunch programs, and help those with Celiac Disease.”

Choice Batter ® uses a special blend of rice flour ingredients and rice’s natural water absorbing characteristics to reduce oil absorption when prepared as a batter coating for fried foods.  Laboratory tests show that up to 50% less oil is absorbed in the coating, as compared to typical wheat flours, which results in a corresponding decrease in oil consumed. 

Approximately 3 million (1 in 100) people in the United States have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease - a digestive disease caused by gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley.  Studies suggest there may be as many as 90 million people with sensitivity to gluten, a condition linked to other chronic health conditions.  Since Choice Batter ® is comprised of a patented blend of rice flours, it contains no gluten.  Choice Batter ® allows these individuals to enjoy delicious batter fried foods, such as chicken tenders and onion rings.  Choice Batter ® is certified Gluten-Free, certified Kosher Pareve, and is also free of the eight most common allergens.

“We are very pleased that Choice Batter ®has been so popular with consumers”, said Laurie Hedlund, director of the NeoTech Incubator at the Center for Business and Technology Development.  “Choice Batter ®gives people a great tasting healthier choice.”

About CrispTek, LLC: CrispTek was founded in 2007 by “Five Guys with a Fryer” in response to consumer demand for reduced fat diets, and gluten-free cooking alternatives.  Choice Batter ® is a food coating product based on a patented recipe developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), and exclusively licensed to CrispTek, LLC.  Choice Batter ® provides a healthier alternative that allows people who wish to reduce oil in their diets, or are gluten sensitive; to enjoy their favorite fried foods.  The company, winner of the 2010 Maryland Bio-Science Best New Product Award, accredits its start to the Entrepreneurship Program at Howard Community College, and product commercialization to the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).  For more information, visit www.ChoiceBatter.com for recipes, product information, locations of stores, on-line purchases and contact information.

About The Center for Business and Technology Development: Founded in May 2000, The Center is dedicated to the discovery, stimulation, nurturing, growth, and success of entrepreneurship in Howard County. It has gained a reputation for providing valuable assistance to its clients and for creating innovative programs that foster entrepreneurship in the region. The Center provides assistance to approximately 1,000 entrepreneurs annually through its unique combined services platform.  A “one stop shop” for entrepreneurial services, The Center supports small and medium sized businesses through its Business Resource Center, NeoTech Incubator, and Howard Technology Council. For more information about The Center for Business and Technology Development, please visit www.thecenter.biz.

The Center for Business and Technology Development is part of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small, minority-owned, and agricultural business communities. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at www.hceda.org.