Ingredion has announced the launch of two new clean-label citrus fibre ingredients, FIBERTEX® CF 500 and FIBERTEX® CF 100, in the EMEA region.
The minimally processed ingredients provide properties such as viscosity, gelling, emulsion, and texture stability. Made from upcycled citrus peels, they support on-pack claims such as “derived from natural sources”, “fruit-based”, and “source of dietary fibre”.
Unlike some other citrus fibre products, FIBERTEX® CF 500 and FIBERTEX® CF 100 are said to be multi-benefit, with the potential to partially or fully replace more expensive and volatile ingredients such as eggs, oils, tomato solids, and more. They can be used in a range of applications, including meat and dairy alternatives, baked goods, and savoury products.
“By using these fibres, brands can reduce or replace less consumer-accepted ingredients”
According to Ingredion, FIBERTEX® CF 500 and FIBERTEX® CF 100 can be combined with the company’s NOVATION® functional native starches to solve an even wider range of customer problems. Additionally, a study published in May found that citrus fibres are optimal for replacing synthetic binders such as methylcellulose in meat alternatives.
“Vegan products usually contain a series of additives to mimic ingredients such as eggs, resulting in a long and complex ingredient list,” said Julika Baseda, global R&D program manager at Ingredion. “The power of our FIBERTEX multi-benefit citrus fibres comes from their natural dietary fibre composition and inherent functionality to emulsify and bind water, which in turn provides thickness and texture stability – without the need to use egg.”
“Perfect solution”
With the new citrus fibres, Ingredion is tapping into the growing demand for clean-label foods. The company’s decade-long ATLAS study found that a huge 99% of European manufacturers perceive clean-label products as a cornerstone of their business strategy, while 79% of consumers want to recognise a product’s ingredients.
Earlier this month, Ingredion launched another product said to offer a cleaner label, VITESSENCE® Pea 100 HD. The ingredient is a pea protein designed to enhance the texture and taste of cold-pressed bars in the US and Canadian markets.
“These new citrus fibres are the perfect solution for brands looking to leverage naturally sourced, consumer-preferred ingredients that support clean labels, desired packaging claims, and sustainability goals — all while providing value for money,” said Constantin Drapatz, business manager of EMEA texture solutions at Ingredion. “By using these fibres, brands can reduce or replace less consumer-accepted ingredients while still maintaining great taste and texture. It’s a win-win for manufacturers and consumers alike.”
The citrus fibres are now available in the EMEA region, and will launch in APAC in August. By the end of the year, they will be available in the US and Canada, with LATAM to follow.