SupplySide West lassos together food ingredient companies serving the food, beverage and dietary supplement markets. Among these customers, many participate in the fast growing natural, organic and functional food segments. Though historically, this show catered to those within dietary supplements. Today, this show attracts attendees globally who seek innovative solutions such as upcycled citrus fiber for functional food and beverages.

Fiberstar, Inc. will exhibit at this upcoming show at booth #2259. The team will showcase its flagship Citri-Fi citrus fiber which is produced from byproduct of the citrus juicing process. Besides the fact that this upcycled ingredient supports a sustainable story, it also provides multi-functionalities including water holding and emulsification. As a result, this natural food ingredient benefits a variety of food applications including beverages, nutritional bars and gummy-based supplements. 

Boosting Beverages

Citri-Fi citrus fiber improves various beverage types including ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, powdered drinks and smoothies. The water holding feature of the insoluble/soluble fiber enhances the mouthfeel and texture of powdered drinks. And due to the high surface area, Citri-Fi serves as a dry plating agent holding up to 25% oil to turn liquids into flowable powders. This same fibrous matrix also contributes some thickness which allows it to extend fruit and/or vegetables in smoothies or juice nectars in addition to improving the mouthfeel.

Bringing up the Bar

Today, the market offers a plethora of nutritional bars. Many of these bars require water holding agents to help minimize dryness which adversely affects the stability and texture. At less than 1% usage rate, this upcycled citrus fiber can be incorporated into bars keeping them soft and pliable to prevent teeth cracking. This applies to bar coatings, fillings and bases. For example, Citri-Fi improves the texture and freshness of a baked coating in addition to its fruit filling.

Going Gummy

Analysts predict that the gummy market is growing leaps and bounds making it the new frontier for supplements. The gummy format grew in popularity due to its sugary appeal and chewy texture which eases edibility versus swallowing traditional tablets. Today, supplement manufacturers have convinced consumers there is a solution for every human ailment. And that solution comes in the form of a gummy. However, due to recent current events, the hydrocolloids (pectin, gelatin, modified starches, alginate, etc.) that form gummies still struggle with availability. As a result, other ingredients such as upcycled citrus fiber provide formulators a clean label alternative.

Since Citri-Fi citrus fiber contains high levels of intact native pectin, it can be used to extend some hydrocolloids in gummy formulations. Or this natural citrus fiber can be used in conjunction with other hydrocolloids to create similar textures. And because Citri-Fi qualifies as a dietary fiber under the FDA guidelines, it also contributes fiber on the nutritional label.

Upcycled Citrus Fiber Added Benefits

Besides benefitting health and wellness foods, Citri-Fi’s dual functionality also improves a variety of foods including dairy, bakery, pet food and plant-based foods like meat substitutes and dairy alternatives.

Non-GMO Project Certified  |  Allergen-free  |  Gluten-free  |  No E-number  |  Organic (coming soon!)

Learn more how Citri-Fi can help your food products by contacting us!