Fiberstar, Inc. joined the Plant-based Foods Association. This organization supports plant-based companies so that they succeed and thrive in the food industry. Since Fiberstar offers a portfolio of nature-based citrus fibers, this organization fits the company's vision. “We look forward to playing a bigger role in the plant-based foods industry.” says President and CEO, John Haen. “The Company’s superior line of highly functional citrus fibers are key to creating quality plant-based products.”

Citrus Fiber in Meat Substitutes & Dairy Alternatives

Fiberstar manufactures Citri-Fi^® citrus fiber which is produced from byproduct of the citrus juicing process. Because the patented process is free from chemical modifications, Citri-Fi stays holistic in form. For instance, this ingredient contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. This composition also has high levels of intact pectin which is vital in providing multiple functionalities including water holding and emulsification.

Due to Citri-Fi’s plant-based origin and high functionality, this natural ingredient benefits various plant-based foods. For instance, in meat substitutions, the 100 series, (0.5% -1.0%), creates natural emulsions to improve the juiciness and succulence. In addition, the TX10 citrus fiber line, (0.5% - 2.0%), creates meatier appearance and texture. When using both citrus fiber products together, developers produce high quality meat alternatives that closely resemble their animal counter parts.

Another area of emphasis includes dairy alternative foods such as plant milks, ice creams, yogurts and cheeses. Citri-Fi citrus fiber, at low usage levels (0.2% - 1.0%), creates stable and full body plant milks. Because of its composition, this natural ingredient’s functionality increases in high shear conditions which helps replace other stabilizers. As a result, plant milks have shorter and cleaner label declarations. This natural citrus fiber also improves stability and texture of vegan ice cream and yogurts. Again, Citri-Fi has the potential to replace other stabilizers to clean up labels. Lastly in plant-based cheeses, this natural ingredients provides high emulsification and smooth texture which improves the stability over time.

High Performing Clean Label Food Ingredient

Citri-Fi's labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which resonate well in the natural and clean label markets. This citrus fiber is also non-allergenic, Non-GMO project certified and has no E-number which benefit plant-based foods.