Fiber is rising in popularity
The rise of a more proactive consumer approach towards health & nutrition is drawing attention to one ingredient in particular: FIBER.
The combination of increasing consumer interest in fibers and the many benefits that these ingredients can offer, makes it easy to understand why more and more manufacturers are incorporating fiber into their products. Today’s consumers mainly recognize fibers for their nutrition boosting properties. However, fibers are also a great fit for manufacturers looking to reformulate for sugar and calorie reduction reasons too. When both aspects are combined, the use of fibers can help to enhance the Nutri-Score properties of products through effective reformulation.
70% of European consumers know that there is a recommended daily intake for fiber. More than half of these consumers are worried about not reaching it.*
*Source: Cargill proprietary research, 2022, France, Germany & UK, 3082 respondents
Fibers answer key consumer needs
Label friendly
|
Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing labels, and seeking out clean and clear labels. In fact, 65% of EMEA consumers say they are “extremely likely” or “very likely” to check the ingredient list when purchasing food and beverages. |
|
Manufacturers are responding to consumer interest in closing the fiber intake gap. In fact, the number of food & beverage product launches tracked in Europe featuring fiber claims (‘high in fiber’ and ‘source of fiber’) grew by 5% CAGR (2017-2022). |
|
The demand for products with reduced sugars only continues to rise. According to HealthFocus International (2020), 52% of EMEA consumers now state that reducing sugars in their diet has become more important to them over the past year, it’s inspiring high product activity. |
|
The drive towards less sugars comes at a time in which front-of-pack labeling systems, such as Nutri-Score, are swaying consumers towards healthier options, and drawing attention to the fiber content in products. The percentage of all food & beverage launches containing a Nutri-Score label rose from 4% in 2021 to 8% in 2022. |
Moreover, sugar reduction, as well as fiber enrichment helps in improving Nutri-Score.
At Cargill, we’ve stepped up to the challenge by leveraging the broad potential of our unparalleled ingredients portfolio.
With this in mind, we’ve recently added two fibers to our portfolio:
Cargill™ soluble fiber
CitriPure® citrus fiber
These additions to the portfolio complement Cargill’s full toolbox of reformulation solutions. Whether you’re creating an entirely new product or reformulating an existing one, we have the solution for you!
Our continuous effort in fiber sustainability
The pandemic has caused consumers to recognize the vulnerability of their own health as well as the health of the environment. Health of the planet becomes the top concern for the majority of western European countries and consumers feel food and drink companies should be doing more to protect the environment.
Cargill shows great effort in fiber sustainability across several areas:
- Sustainable Sourcing
- Transparency and Traceability
- Waste Reduction & Upcycling
Find out more here.
Meeting all your fiber enrichment needs
With our deep ingredient and formulation know-how, excellent application capabilities, broad portfolio of complementary ingredients and secure supply chain, Cargill is perfectly positioned to help support you.
Whether you’re looking for solutions for enrichment, sugar and calorie reduction or Nutri-Score enhancement, we’re your go to fiber partner.
Reach out to us today!