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Tag: meat alternatives

May 12, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

5 Way to Create Healthy Food using Citrus Fiber

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber creates high quality healthy food. For instance, this natural citrus fiber provides high water holding and emulsification properties. As a result, this natural citrus fiber can reduce oil, fat, eggs and add dietary fiber to an array of food products like bakery, beverages, dressings and snacks. 

Creating healthy food today involves subtracting negatively perceived ingredients in addition to adding health promoting elements. For instance, food makers continue to reduce oils and fats in foods. As a result, consumers benefit from lower calories. On the other hand, creating better foods entails removing allergens such as soy, gluten or egg. Regardless, Citri-Fi citrus fiber is an ultimate tool in creating healthier high quality foods. Since this citrus fiber provides high water holding and emulsification properties, it improves stability, texture and nutrition in a variety of food products.

1.  Increase Fiber Contribution in a Variety of Foods

Today, food makers incorporate dietary fiber to make fiber claims. Since not all fibers are created the same, food manufacturers use more than one fiber type like a cocktail. For instance, some foods use functional fibers like Citri-Fi citrus fiber to provide water holding and emulsification properties. At the same time, formulators add other fibers simply to meet the dietary fiber claim requirements. The beauty of Citri-Fi is that its functional attributes benefit a variety of healthy food while also contributing fiber. For example, this citrus fiber improves mouthfeel and clouding in beverages such as ready-to-drink (RTD) and powdered drinks. And Citri-Fi enhances other foods like nutrition bars, snacks and bakery items.

Also, this functional citrus fiber replaces other ingredients like starches, gums and stabilizers. As a result, Citri-Fi cleans up label declarations while improving the nutritional profile. Citri-Fi's labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour.

2.  Reduce Oil or Fat in Bakery Products

Citri-Fi citrus fiber's high water holding capacity allows bakers to reduce oil and/or fats in baked goods. For instance, when Citri-Fi is used between 0.25% to 1.00% in muffins, cookies or cakes, this natural ingredient retains moisture. As a result, bakery item's freshness factor remains for a longer period time. And this citrus fiber creates a texture that simulates a full-fat mouthfeel which consumers expect. Citri-Fi replaces up to 50% of oil or fat in bakery products without comprising the quality.

3. Remove Egg Products in Dressings and Sauces

Another industry trend is egg-free dressings and sauces which improves the nutritional profile. For instance, dressings like mayonnaise can now be made egg-less without compromising the texture. Citri-Fi citrus fiber's oil and binding power make this happen. Now, these type of products give vegan and vegetarians more options. And due to recent food safety concerns, food services switched to egg-free dressings and sauce food products. Either way, this natural citrus fiber creates a smooth texture that remains stable for long periods of time at low usage levels. 

4.  Minimize Saturated Fats in Meat Alternatives 

Citri-Fi citrus fiber also reduces saturated fats in meat substitution products like meat-free patties. Since many meat alternatives use coconut oil, these products tend to contain high amounts of saturated fats. When Citri-Fi 100 series is used in an emulsion, this natural ingredient allows food makers to use unsaturated oils and at a lower level. At the same time, the meat alternative is juicy and succulent during the cooking process. And to improve the meat-like texture, Fiberstar recently launched Citri-Fi TX. This new citrus fiber provides cold binding which allows food makers to replace binders like gluten. As a result, those formulating without allergens benefit with a clean label binding system.

5.  Improve Gluten-free Food Texture, Nutrition and Quality

Gluten-free continues to be a market need. Initially, first generation foods were loaded with simple carbohydrates with a short shelf-life. However, today, food makers focus on creating higher quality and healthier versions. And manufacturers upgraded to a more wholesome approach to gluten-free food making. Citri-Fi citrus fiber is an ideal solution when creating gluten-free foods. Because this natural citrus fiber holds onto water, gluten-free foods retain moisture longer. As a result, this improves the freshness factor. And because Citri-Fi meets the FDA fiber guidelines, this natural ingredient contributes fiber to the overall nutrition.

 

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April 30, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

New Meat Alternative Ingredients: Top 5 FAQ About Citri-Fi® TX BLOG

The brand new Citri-Fi® TX citrus fiber provides cold binding and meat-like texture to meat alternatives like meat-free patties. This is a the first new texturizing citrus fiber to hit the market. Learn more about this exciting new meat alternative ingredient by reading the frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Fiberstar, Inc. recently launched Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber used to improve meat alternatives. This new meat alternative ingredient improves texture and cold binding in meat-free food products like patties. During this launch, a flood of questions poured in about this new technology. Many manufacturers are searching for new meat alternative ingredients such as vegetable proteins, methyl cellulose replacers, binders and texturants. At the same time, this new Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber provides a few of these desired benefits. Check out the top frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber.

1.  What is the NEW Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber?

This new texturizing citrus fiber provides a few key benefits including meat-like texture, cold binding and clean label. For instance, the larger particle size lends itself to bind more water than gluten and other binders. As a result, it serves as a way to prevent the meat-free patty from turning soft and mushy during cooking. Also, it absorbs water through processing, storage and cooking. And the larger particle size adds a more meat-like texture with particulates similar to that of ground beef.

Citri-Fi TX is non-allergen, therefore it is a natural choice when replacing gluten in meat alternative formulations. Also, this natural citrus fiber is Non-GMO Project certified.

2.  What Functional Benefits Does Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber Provide?

As mentioned previously, Citri-Fi TX provides a few key benefits that other meat alternative ingredients lack. For instance, this citrus fiber creates cold binding benefits. This is essential in creating meatless patties that maintain shape and form without falling apart. In addition to cold binding, Citri-Fi TX also contributes to the meat-like texture to simulate an animal meat eating experience. Many vegetarian meats suffer from mushy and soft texture. However, this citrus fiber's large particle size and water binding capacity supplements the base texture to give it a meatier bite. Citri-Fi TX binds more water than other binders like gluten. As a result, this citrus fiber can replace gluten especially in formulations that are requiring allergen-free ingredients.

3.  How is Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber Different Than Other Citri-Fi Products?

The key differences between Citri-Fi TX from the other Citri-Fi products are particle size, water holding and protein binding power. Citri-Fi TX is a larger particle size citrus fiber which helps create that meatier texture similar to that of ground beef. Citri-Fi TX binds significantly more water than gluten or other binders. As a result, it serves a way to prevent the meat-free patties from getting soft and mushy during the cooking process. Since this citrus fiber has binding power, it absorbs water throughout processing, storage and cooking. Thus, less gelling, binding and water absorbing ingredients are needed. Usage level ranges between 0.4% to 4%.

The other Citri-Fi products provide water holding too. However, their composition and particle size lends them to creating excellent emulsions. These citrus fibers bind water and oil to keep meat-free patties stable over time. Also, these products create juicy and succulent texture that consumers expect. Usage level ranges between 0.5% to 2%.

4.  What Stability Benefits Does Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber Provide in Meat Alternatives? 

Citri-Fi TX is heat, pH and freeze/thaw stable. Salt content does not affect Citri-Fi's functionality in meat alternatives. And as long as there is moisture in the patty, the binding will not break down over time.

5.  What is Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber's Labeling? 

Citri-Fi TX's labeling options include Citrus Fiber, Dried Citrus Pulp or Citrus Flour. As a result, these resonate well in the clean label and natural markets.

Additional Information about Citri-Fi Citrus Fiber and Meat Alternatives

NEW Texturizing Citrus Fiber: Citri-Fi® for Meat Alternatives

Meat Alternatives and Citrus Fiber FAQ

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April 14, 2020
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Press News

NEW Texturizing Citrus Fiber: Citri-Fi® for Meat Alternatives

Fiberstar launches a new texturizing citrus fiber, Citri-Fi® TX, which creates meat-like texture and provides cold binding in meat alternatives. And this new citrus fiber gives formulators the ability to remove gluten and other gelling and/or water absorbing ingredients to improve food labeling.

Fiberstar, Inc launches Citri-Fi® TX Texturizing Citrus Fiber which improves texture, quality and the eating experience of meat alternatives. Today, meat analog manufacturers continue the search for clean label ingredients to improve the eating qualities of their food products. However, some of the challenges they encounter include soggy or mushy texture, lack of juiciness and sub-par quality. Fiberstar works closely with customers to understand the formulating pitfalls. As a result, the team launched a new texturizing citrus fiber to the meat-free category.

Citri-Fi TX Texturizing Citrus Fiber Benefits

This new texturizing citrus fiber provides a few key benefits including meat-like texture, cold binding and clean label. For instance, the larger particle size lends itself to bind more water than gluten and other binders. As a result, it serves as a way to prevent the meat analog from turning soft and mushy during cooking. Also, it absorbs water through processing, storage and cooking. And the larger particle size adds a more meat-like texture with particulates similar to that of ground beef.

If manufacturers avoid allergens, Citri-Fi TX allows developers to replace gluten. This natural citrus fiber binds proteins together both during cold forming and cooking. In other words, Citri-Fi provides excellent cold binding. This attribute prevents patties from falling apart during the forming and cooking process. Because of this, meat alternatives require less gelling, binding and water absorbing ingredients. Please contact us about the technical bulletin available on gluten replacement in meat alternatives.

Citri-Fi TX's recommended usage levels range from 1% to 4%. The more citrus fiber used, less gelling and absorbing ingredients are needed in the formulation. And Citri-Fi TX's labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which resonate well in the natural food markets.

Other Meat Alternatives Citrus Fiber Solutions 

The workhorse Citri-Fi 100 series also improves meat alternatives. The 100 series provides natural emulsification properties which binds oil/fat and water. Due to this, formulators adjust the ratios of water and oil so that the amount bound or released during cooking targets the desired effect. Hence, the final product produces the juicy sizzle that consumers expect.

Citri-Fi 100 and Citri-Fi TX can be used in meat-free patty formulations to create meat analogs similar to their animal counterparts. Starting formulations, technical bulletins and technical support are available to help you launch in the market quickly. Please contact us to learn more!

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February 12, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Meat Alternatives and Citrus Fiber FAQ

Manufacturers ask a variety of questions when formulating meat alternatives. As a result, Fiberstar captured and shared a few of the frequently asked questions about labeling, benefits in oil systems (emulsification), meat-like texture, natural status and other benefits that citrus fiber provides.

Meat alternatives or meat analogs are the hottest food trend hitting the market today. As a result, food producers small and large are climbing the steep learning curve and scrambling to launch new products quickly. Many frequently asked questions pop up when Fiberstar works closely with various meat alternative producers. Some of these manufacturers solely focus on plant-based foods. On the other hand, there are some animal meat manufacturers also chasing the opportunity to expand their share with plant-based offerings. Below capture a few of the frequently asked questions.

 

1.  What is Citri-Fi® Citrus Fiber's Labeling When Used in Meat Alternatives? And is this Clean Label?

Citri-Fi is a clean label option for plant-based meat products. This natural ingredient can be labeled as citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour. All of these options resonate well in the natural and clean label markets. However, clean label carries different meanings. For instance, clean label may imply non-allergenic, containing healthy components and/or non-GMO. The good news is that Citri-Fi fits the many definitions. Since Citri-Fi qualifies under the FDA fiber guidelines, this citrus fiber carries a healthy halo when listed. As a result, consumers relate to fiber ingredients especially when they understand the botanical source - citrus. Also, Citri-Fi is non-allergenic which appeals to the gluten-free market. And this natural fiber is Non-GMO Project certified.

2.  Does Citri-Fi Provide Emulsification in Meat Alternatives? And How Does it Work with Oil Systems?

Citri-Fi natural citrus fiber uses a patented process that opens up the fiber to provide high water and oil binding. This is a key benefit when used in a meat alternatives. For instance, plant-based meats incorporate high amounts of oil to simulate their animal-meat counterpart's grisly texture. And since developers add water to many formulations, there is the need for binding. Alternatively, without an emulsifier, the oil may separate and purge out creating dry hockey pucks.

The natural citrus fiber, Citri-Fi, works ideal in oil systems. This natural fiber can be mixed with oils before incorporated into the meat product. As a result, the oil stays bounded in the fiber through-out the meat alternative matrix. And another way to incorporate is to mix it with dry ingredients first.

3. Does Citri-Fi Create Meat-like Texture?

In this instance, texture has many meanings which include firm, juicy and succulent. Because Citri-Fi citrus fiber binds high amounts of oil and water, this creates the juicy and succulent texture that customers desire. Seeing that customers also require the meat-like texture to be firm, Fiberstar is piloting a new texturized citrus fiber - Citri-Fi TX. This new product simulates texturized vegetable protein (TVP) such as pea, soy and wheat, etc. However, this new citrus fiber maintains the meat alternative's firm texture during heating and cooking unlike some of the other vegetable proteins. Texturized citrus fiber partially replaces the TVP at low levels while creating the meat-like texture.

4. Is Citri-Fi Natural?

Yes, Citri-Fi citrus fiber is natural. Fiberstar produces Citri-Fi from byproduct of the citrus juicing industry. This upcycled fiber is created using a patented process that does not use any chemical modifications unlike other citrus fiber producers. Also, Citri-Fi has no no E-number and is considered a food ingredient and not a food additive. Lastly, this natural fiber is plant-based, non-allergenic and Non-GMO Project certified.

5.  What are the Top Reasons why Manufacturers use Citri-Fi Natural Citrus Fiber?

Field feedback and scores of surveys indicate that manufacturers are using Citri-Fi citrus fiber for the natural emulsification, juiciness and succulence it provides plant-based meats. Another reason why manufacturers also gravitate to Citri-Fi is due to Fiberstar's on-going innovation in the plant-based meats category. The team works closely with a diversified group of manufacturers to understand the key market needs. As a result, Fiberstar pilots new technologies in this arena such as the new Citri-Fi TX texturized citrus fiber to improve texture. Our portfolio offers a variety of solutions ranging from creating firm meat-like texture to binding oil and water during harsh food processing and storage conditions.

Check out the videos HERE!

Learn how to use HERE!

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January 13, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

BLOG: Top 5 Videos Watched in 2019 – Citri-Fi® Citrus Fiber

Over the past year, Fiberstar released several videos to quickly teach food companies how to use Citri-Fi natural citrus fiber. For example, some of these food video categories include: citrus fiber functionality, bakery, meats, sauces, beverages, pet food and meat and dairy alternatives. Please check out the Fiberstar video library HERE! Below are the top 5 videos watched in 2019.

Top 5 Videos Watched in 2019

  1. Citri-Fi Natural Citrus Fiber Emulsification Demonstration

    Natural emulsification ranked as one of the top requests in 2019. However, not many natural food ingredients provide emulsification properties. Check out how Citri-Fi natural citrus fiber opens up to bind and lock in water and oil.

  2. Fiberstar's Citri-Fi Natural Citrus Fiber Overview

    Citrus fiber containing insoluble and soluble fiber with native pectin provides high functionality. As a result, these benefit a variety of food applications. Unlike other citrus fibers that use solvents or chemicals in their process, Fiberstar produces citrus fiber using a patented clean method. Learn more how Citri-Fi citrus fiber trumps others in the marketplace.

  3. Citri-Fi Natural Citrus Fiber in Meat Alternatives

    The hottest topic in 2019 involved creating meat alternatives that simulate their animal counterparts. Given that Citri-Fi natural citrus fiber binds water and oil, developers use this fiber to create high quality vegetarian and/or vegan food products.

  4. Methyl Cellulose Replacement in Meat Alternatives

    Many manufacturers looked for alternatives to methyl cellulose to clean up their labels in 2019. As a matter of fact Citri-Fi when used with other natural ingredients can replace methyl cellulose in meat alternatives. This natural fiber labeling includes citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour. As a result, these labeling options resonate well in the natural and clean label markets.

  5. Citri-Fi Natural Fiber in Emulsified Dressings & Sauces

    Natural emulsification was a key functionality sought out in 2019 specifically in dressings and sauces. Learn how to use citrus fiber to replace chemical emulsifiers in high fat and/or oil food products.

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December 17, 2019
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Citrus Fiber In the News

Clean Ingredient Solutions: Citri-Fi® Natural Citrus Fibers

Fiberstar, Inc. manufactures and sells Citri-Fi natural citrus fibers. These clean ingredient solutions provide high water holding and oil binding which is key to creating natural food products. For instance, meat alternatives require high oil binding and moisture retention to simulate their animal meat counterparts. However, many products using water holding ingredients tend to be mushy or grainy. Citri-Fi holds onto that oil and releases it during the cooking process. As a result, this creates a juicy and sizzling meat alternative that customers expect.

Vegconomist - The Vegan Business Magazine - Article

To learn more about about Citri-Fi's capabilities in other foods, please read the following Vegconomist article - Fiberstar, Inc: "Our Objective is to be the Global Market Leader in Natural and Clean Ingredient Solutions." 

Have questions, please CONTACT US!

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November 4, 2019
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Press News

Plant-based News: Fiberstar is a FIE Award Finalist

Fiberstar, Inc., a world leading producer of natural citrus fiber qualifies as a finalist for a Food Ingredients Europe award. One of the awards is given to those offering innovative technologies for plant based foods.  Citri-Fi, a natural citrus fiber holds high amounts of oil. Consequently, this is key in replacing methyl cellulose in meat alternative foods. However, when used with other water holding natural ingredients, this fiber improves texture. And Citri-Fi helps reduce the amount of saturated and/or unsaturated fats used. As a result, manufacturers create juicy foods which consumers expect. Citri-Fi also improves texture and stability in other plant based foods. Check out our usage guide CLICK HERE!

Citri-Fi is allergen-free and gluten-free. This natural fiber is Non-GMO Project certified. Labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which resonate well in the clean label market.

Have questions or need a sample, CLICK HERE!

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