Dry or powdered foods existed since prehistoric eras. Drying foods extended the availability for longer periods of time which became an essential survival technique. Not only did it preserve foods like meats but it also eased travel with less weight to carry. Today, a variety of foods come in powder form for similar reasons such as beverages, soups and sauces. Drying off the water to convert the food into powder was a commonality among all these foods. At the same time, a growing need emerged to turn oil into free flowing powder.

A rising demand to create oil powder stemmed from various reasons including increased shelf stability, economic benefits, safety and/or ease-of-use. Because of this, the medicinal oil market began to investigate how to deliver their product in a more efficient form. The challenge was finding a clean label or natural way to do this.

Dual Purpose Citrus Fiber: Dry Plating and Functional Fiber

Citri-Fi citrus fiber is byproduct of the citrus juicing process. This upcycled food ingredient contains high surface area, pore volume and an amphiphilic chemical composition making it suitable as both a carrier and emulsifier for converting liquid or viscous medicinal oils into dry free flowing powders. As a result, this can be either used in a dry form or hydrated to form stable emulsions. For example, Citri-Fi binds CBD oil at 50/50 ratio and remains a flowable powder, However, in a hydrated form, Citri-Fi binds 8 times its weight in oil and maintains a stable emulsion. Besides acting as a carrier, this natural citrus fiber improves the quality, texture and nutrition of finished foods.

Using Citrus Fiber in Medicinal Foods

Many medicinal oils are incorporated into food products such as baked goods, beverages and confections. As mentioned, Citri-Fi not only binds oil, but also water. As a result, this natural citrus fiber improves freshness over time and can replace unfavorable ingredients such as egg or chemical emulsifiers in bakery items. In beverages, Citri-Fi sustains mouthfeel, texture and clouding. Lastly, this natural ingredient enhances texture in confections like gummies. Ultimately, this clean label ingredient can not only create oil powders, but also, provide additional functional benefits in finished food products.

Citri-Fi is non-allergenic, gluten free and Non-GMO Project certified. Also, Citri-Fi contributes fiber. Labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which all resonate well in the natural and clean label markets.

To learn more about turning oil into powder using Citri-Fi citrus fiber, please contact us. Application sheets are available upon request.