Ingredients in Focus: Ingredion Launches Fibertex CF Citrus Fibers
Ingredients in Focus is Food Dive’s bite-size column highlighting interesting developments in the ingredients sector.
Specialty ingredient solutions provider Ingredion is leaning into its focus on texturizers with the launch of Fibertex CF. The multi-benefit citrus fibers are texturizing food ingredients made from upcycled citrus peels, offering viscosifying power, gelling properties, mouthfeel enhancement, and improved emulsion and texture stability over shelf-life.
Consumers increasingly expect more from their food, seeking shorter ingredient decks and clean labels without compromising taste and texture. Ingredion’s Fibertex CF products can replace expensive and volatile ingredients like egg, oil, and tomato solids while maintaining texture, stability, and eating experience in various applications.
Ingredion recommends using Fibertex CF Citrus fibers in dips, sauces, dressings, bakery items, snacks, food prep, cheeses, fruit-based juices, and smoothies to enhance texture, reduce fat, and improve mouthfeel. The company aims to provide cost-effective, functional, and consumer-preferred ingredient options in response to evolving consumer demands.
Citrus fibers are gaining popularity, with consumer research indicating high acceptance and preference for them on labels. These fibers are particularly useful in plant-based foods to mimic textures of conventional products without the need for complex additives.
Julika Baseda, global R&D program manager at Ingredion, highlights the natural dietary fiber composition and functionality of FIBERTEX™ citrus fibers in vegan products, offering thickness and texture stability without the use of eggs.