Instead of rattling off the Top 5 read Fiberstar blogs in 2021, we will focus on their common hot topics. These top read blogs highlighted Citri-Fi citrus fiber’s ability to emulsify, stabilize and texturize a variety of food products. This might set eyes rolling since there are many food ingredients in the market claiming to do the same. However, this citrus fiber performs these functions “naturally” which sets itself apart from the others. Currently, natural emulsifiers are a rare find. On the other hand, food ingredients like Citri-Fi are available as citrus fiber emulsifiers.

Citri-Fi Citrus Fiber Natural Emulsifier

Citri-Fi's process is free from chemical modifications unlike other ingredients in the market. For instance, the insoluble and soluble fiber content contains native intact pectin. This high pectin content gives Citri-Fi the muscle to emulsify and stabilize foods like dairy, beverages, dressings, dairy alternatives and meat substitutes. As a result, developers create foods with more natural textures and mouthfeel.

For instance, Citri-Fi binds oil and water to create the succulent texture in meat substitutes. The 100 series in conjunction with the TX line makes meat-like texture and juiciness. And when this natural emulsifier and texturizer is used with plant proteins like canola protein, potato protein and/or pea protein, meat substitutes can be created free of methylcellulose.

Natural Water Holding Food Ingredient

The market is saturated with water holding ingredients such as gums, alginates, starches and plant fibers. However, Citri-Fi’s fiber composition not only binds high levels of water, but does this “naturally” at low usage levels (<1%). Many other ingredients need to be chemically modified to perform the same. Or if they are natural, they raise consumer’s eyebrows when listed on the food label.

Because of this high water holding, Citri-Fi improves freshness of baked goods, reduces syneresis in dairy foods and creates more natural textures in sauces. And one other benefit that places it on a high pedestal versus others is that Citri-Fi improves freeze/thaw stability of frozen foods. For example, this natural ingredient minimizes water migration during the freeze/thaw cycles. Ice cream and frozen dairy alternatives create less ice crystals which preserves its creamy mouthfeel. And frozen meals refrain from turning into a mosh pit of mash.

Natural Food Texturizer

Fiberstar recently launched Citri-Fi TX which creates meat-like texture in plant based meats and animal meat products. Though there is a plethora of plant-based textured proteins on the market, Citri-Fi TX differs. Most texturized proteins start their life as part of a plant and then further processed. Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber exists in a larger granular form - minimally processed. And because it is derived from citrus fruit, it is non-allergenic unlike soy and wheat. Many texturized proteins serve as a base in vegan meats at high usage levels. On the other hand, Citri-Fi TX usage level ranges 1-4% to enhance the texture.

About Citri-Fi Citrus Fiber

Citri-Fi citrus fiber is allergen-free and gluten-free. This natural food ingredient has no E-number. And the 100 series including TX is non-GMO project certified. Labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which all resonate well in the natural and clean label markets. Citri-Fi is a citrus fiber emulsifier, stabilizer and texturizer. To learn more about Citri-Fi’s natural functionalities, please contact us.