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How to choose the best soluble fibre for your healthy developments

  • Choosing the soluble fibre your development needs can be a difficult task when you don't know what to look for when evaluating the different options on the market.
  • There are complete soluble fibres that can provide healthy and technological functionality, but it is essential to know which one will best suit your process, product and end purpose.

You have a project where you need to enrich or add a soluble fibre that works, maybe you are looking for a technological functionality, maybe both, or you don't know yet, you are in a mess.

Inulin, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), gums, resistant maltodextrin, wheat, corn, chicory, agave... There are many types of soluble fibres and origins to choose from, but which one is right for my product?

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice of fibre:

VISCOSITY

A low viscosity fibre will allow you to use it in high quantities without impacting the organoleptic characteristics of the final product.

TOLERANCE

If you are going to use high amounts, make sure that you choose a slow-release, resistant soluble fibre. Otherwise the end consumer may experience intestinal discomfort due to rapid fermentation (bloating). Ask for clinical studies on it.

DISPERSIBILITY

Choose a fibre that does not crystallise and gives a clear dissolution. This will avoid undesirable behaviour in your final product.

STABILITY

Dust: Make sure it is free-flowing. This will facilitate handling and handling in the plant and avoid the use of anti-binder agents (cost reduction + cleaner labelling).

In progress: Make sure your fibre is stable to acidic pH, high temperatures and shear. Many reduce their fibre content after these stresses.

FUNCTIONALITY

A soluble fibre can help you reduce added sugars. Make sure your fibre has a low glycaemic index behaviour and high resistance to degradation to avoid intestinal discomfort. This can only be achieved with a non-conventional resistant soluble fibre.
A premium soluble fibre, it has sizing properties with minimal added sugars.

ORGANOLEPTIC BALANCE

A soluble fibre can balance discordant aromatic notes of sweeteners, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Make sure that with a small dose you get that effect. With an easily fermentable soluble fibre, you might get an unwanted side effect (bloating).

VERSATILITY

If it is an all-terrain fibre, it is sure to suit your unique product. Here is a list of applications where it should be able to be applied without compromising the properties of the original product:

Nutraceuticals
Beverages
Bars
Bakery products
Snacks
Dairy products
Vegetable alternatives

VISIBILITY

The power of the brand. There are markets (e.g. sports nutrition) where consumers associate brands with quality. If your fibre has a brand with guarantees and solvency in the market, the consumer can easily validate that information on their own.

QUALITY

When you use a soluble fibre for the purpose of improving the intestinal tract, make sure it has full clinical studies to back it up. That the product works will be your guarantee of success with the end consumer.

In general terms, validate that your soluble fibre is standardised, has a high fibre content, meets strict quality controls in its production and, above all, that the supplier can guarantee a stable supply. During the pandemic, there were some unfortunate episodes that demonstrated the reliability of all manufacturers.

PRICE

If you opt for a "conventional" soluble fibre, you will have a wide variety to choose from at competitive costs. Perhaps that is what you need for your development. If, on the other hand, you need a more complete solution that complies with the above aspects, the acquisition effort will be greater, but so will the return.

If with these tips you find that you don't have your ideal soluble fibre, contact and we will help you to find it.

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