Citri-Fi® citrus fiber improves texture, nutrition and labeling of healthy beverages such as acidified protein drinks, vegetable/fruit drinks, smoothies and powders. At low usage levels (0.1% to 1.0%), this natural fiber delivers emulsification, improved mouthfeel, stability and clouding to a variety of beverages.
Healthy beverages continue to spike interest in 2020. These healthy beverage launches range from using less sugar to incorporating more functional ingredients to promote overall well being. For instance, Citri-Fi citrus fiber not only contributes some fiber to drinks, but also, this natural ingredient provides additional textural benefits such as emulsification, stabilization, clouding and improved mouthfeel.
Healthy Beverages using Citrus Fiber
Citri-Fi is a natural citrus fiber created by a patented process free from chemical modifications. This natural ingredient provides high water and oil binding which is ideal for healthy refreshments like acidified protein and fruit and vegetable drinks. As a result, these healthy beverages maintain stability during harsh processing conditions. Citri-Fi also thickens drinks such as smoothies to give a more pleasant mouthfeel. And, this natural fiber provides improved texture and clouding to powdered drinks such as sports performance beverages.
Turning Liquids into Flow-able Powders
Another benefit of using Citri-Fi citrus fiber includes using this natural ingredient as a plating agent. This citrus fiber's high surface area lends itself to holding high levels of oil. Depending on the oil, Citri-Fi plates up to 25-30% oil and turns the oil into a flow-able powder. As a result, product developers benefit by plating flavored and/or nutritional oils. Moreover, the plated Citri-Fi not only delivers oil to a liquid system, but it also contributes functional textural benefits. For instance, a developer has the ability to plate a flavor onto Citri-Fi and incorporate the plated fiber into a beverage. The plated Citri-Fi delivers and stabilizes the oil. And the plated fiber improves the mouthfeel as well as creates a clouding effect
Citrus Fiber Usage in Healthy Drinks
Citri-Fi citrus fiber is used between 0.1% to 1.0% in most beverages. More is less when it comes to this citrus fiber. For instance, very low dosages provide all the textural benefits to improve healthy beverages. For best results, mix the citrus fiber with other dry ingredients first. At the same time, Citri-Fi can also be added to liquids with a strong vortex present to prevent fish eyes. Check out the beverage usage guide or the video library for additional information.
Clean Benefits in Healthy RTD
Citri-Fi's labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour. As a result, this natural fiber helps clean up label declarations which resonates well in the natural market. Also, Citri-Fi is non-GMO project certified and gluten-free/allergen-free. This natural fiber has no E-number which is ideal for the European markets.
Additional Articles on Citrus Fiber in Beverages
To learn more about using Citri-Fi citrus fiber in beverages, please check out the below articles:
Ingredients for coffee, tea and juice provide new opportunities (Dairy Foods)
Plant-based Beverages: An Untapped Opportunity for Citrus Fiber (Part 1) BLOG
Plant-based Beverages: An Untapped Opportunity for Citrus Fiber (Part 2) BLOG
