According to Ingredion’s 2023 proprietary consumer research ATLAS, consumers prefer products containing ingredients they recognise and accept, with short labels, health benefits and claims that convey naturality and freshness.
With this in mind, the company developed a range of citrus-based texturisers to support the accelerated demand for clean label food and the growing nutrition, health and wellness trend.
By nature, the citrus fibres deliver a unique texture; enable the replacement of undesirable and high cost ingredients; and extend shelf life and stability in a variety of applications ranging from traditional and gluten-free baked goods (sweet baked goods, reduced fat muffins and cakes, hamburger buns, soft-baked bars and moist cookies) and snacks to plant-based meat alternatives.
The texturisers are designed to replace fat, enhance softness, improve shelf life, enable moistness in gluten-free applications/
The Fibertex CF citrus fibre range is made from the peels of citrus fruits – such as lemons and limes – derived from the valorisation of waste streams from the pectin industry. Its specifically tailored to provide manufacturers with a number of functionality, value creation and sustainable benefits.
“Fibertex CF citrus fibres allow brands to solve complex clean label challenges while meeting changing consumer needs,” said Diana Nieto, Ingredion’s regional platform leader of Clean & Simple ingredients in the US and Canada.
“With natural origins, upcycled sustainability, reliable supply chains and the inherent functionality of a from-the-plant product, the solution can elevate the eating experience, improve nutritional profiles by reducing fat and heighten label appeal in a wide range of applications.”
Next in clean label
The range comprises two offerings.
Added Nieto, “Fibertex CF 502 and 102 citrus fibres represent what’s next in Ingredion’s line of clean label ingredient solutions.
“The ability to deliver just-right sensory experiences, on-shelf differentiation with a cleaner label and improved nutritional profile, while improving margins and supporting sustainability is good news for manufacturers.”
Additionally, the range is non-GMO, gluten-free at the source and contains >90% dietary fibre (US). The fibres have different particle sizes and related water-holding capacities, but both have an inherent ability to control moisture and bind fat in various applications. They also work synergistically with Ingredion’s Novation and Homecraft functional native starch and flour ranges.
Chicago-headquartered Ingredion Incorporated creates value-added ingredients made from grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials for customers in more than 120 countries. The company posted net sales of nearly $8bn in 2022 and employs a 12,000-strong workforce.