To define the term sustainability in a few sentences poses a massive challenge. However, in a recap, it boils down to managing resources, technology and money invested to balance the earth’s offerings and the current needs. Moreover, this also implies there is equilibrium between the “give and take” for the future generations. Today, businesses cherry pick aspects of this term to assure consumers they play a role in supporting sustainable food.

For instance, Fiberstar’s business started its life with an eco-friendly food process. Citrus growers harvest their fruit to be processed into citrus juice. This citrus juice then makes its way to retail and foodservice. At the same time, the other channels convert into higher valued products including the fibrous parts of the fruit. In the past, much of the fibrous components were used in lower valued markets but had huge potential due to its nutritional composition – fiber - and its underlying functional benefits.

The Sustainable Process

Fiberstar uses a patented method which turns byproduct of the citrus juicing process into highly functional citrus fiber which is called Citri-Fi. This process, which is free from chemical modifications, opens up the fiber to provide high water holding and emulsification properties. As a result, this upcycled citrus fiber is produced using a clean process unlike other alternatives sold in the marketplace.

And since the method retains the fiber’s wholistic form, it contains large amounts of intact pectin which gives its high functionality. Many other citrus fibers are byproduct of the pectin production. Because of this, the citrus fiber contains lower amounts of pectin content with lower functionality.

Bettering the Environment via Food

Using a sustainable process and producing eco friendly foods like Citri-Fi is one benefit. This citrus fiber also reduces the use of ingredients with higher environmental impact like fats, oils, eggs and animal dairy or meat protein. Citri-Fi replaces some or all of these ingredients in a variety of food products such as bakery, sauces and dairy foods. At the same time, this natural ingredient plays a key role in many dairy alternatives and meat substitutes. Citri-Fi provides excellent stability and texture. As a result, this citrus fiber supports environmentally friendly food by creating high quality animal-free alternatives.

Consumer Friendly Labeling

Highly functional citrus fibers like Citri-Fi are key at creating cleaner food labels. Citri-Fi’s labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which resonate well in the consumer markets. In addition, due to it high functionality, this natural citrus fiber replaces other ingredients to shorten label declarations. Citri-Fi also contributes dietary fiber. As a result, formulators benefit versus using other stabilizers, starches and chemical emulsifiers that do not qualify.

Sustainable food systems evolve and improve every day. Some companies are playing catch up with old processes or inefficient technologies. However, there are companies like Fiberstar which entered the market with a sustainable process and product offering from the beginning. As consumers learn more about environmental impacts occurring today, they will demand a more sustainable food system. This encompasses all the touch points between farm to fork. Citri-Fi citrus fiber is a wholistic food ingredient that continues to be a natural, sustainable and eco friendly option in the market.

To learn more about our sustainable practices, please contact us.