Adding supplemental ingredients to beverages is challenging. Consumers have come to expect water and clear juices to have no particulates and leave little substance in the mouth. Dairy-based drinks and meal systems are more complex in composition and are additionally expected to have a smooth mouthfeel. It is for these expected and tactile sensory properties that formulating beverages with such ingredients, while maintaining viscosity and texture, may require one to look at new options.

It is a well-known fact that Americans do not consume enough fiber. The traditional sources of fiber are cereal products, which have limited applications. However, with the advent of newer fiber sources, a broader range of foods can now contain this important supplement. The beverage industry has not typically been thought of as a source of fiber. But, beverages do provide a great opportunity to help people increase their fiber consumption, especially now that highly soluble, non-detectable fiber sources are available.

Fibersol®-2, a proprietary, digestion-resistant maltodextrin, was developed by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. (Japan). ADM, in a joint venture with Matsutani America Inc., is providing this soluble dietary fiber to the market. Fibersol-2 has unique characteristics that make it ideal for beverage fortification. It can be dissolved at levels as high as 70% w/w in water and is stable in acidic conditions (pH 2) and elevated temperatures. Once dissolved, the solution will be transparent. For the consumer, there will be no unexpected mouthfeel or texture changes, when Fibersol-2 is used. Maltodextrin does not add any flavor, either. In beverages with high-intensity sweeteners, Fibersol-2 helps improve the overall flavor.

It is recommended that women consume 25g of fiber daily, while men should consume 38g. In a typical 250ml beverage, 25g would only be 10%, which is well within the solubility limits of Fibersol-2. Often, calcium is included in healthy beverage formulations, and maltodextrin does not impair absorption.

From a processing perspective, Fibersol-2 is an easy-to-use powder, which will dissolve with standard equipment. The fiber does not break down or change under acidic conditions, and/or pasteurization or other heat treatments, so the improved beverage will be stable throughout its shelflife. Fibersol-2 works well in dry mixes, too.

Fibersol-2 is produced from natural cornstarch and is labeled in the ingredient statement as maltodextrin, which may be qualified as a source of fiber. This maltodextrin meets the requirements for GRAS status and is kosher-certified. For the nutrition facts panel, 100g of Fibersol-2 contributes 90g soluble dietary fiber, 2g sugar and 160 calories.

Beverages are a huge and convenient part of people’s nutrient intake. The unique properties of Fibersol-2 allow soluble fiber to be included in any type of beverage at high levels, which truly has a positive effect on health, without any negative effects on consumer acceptability. pf

For more information:
ADM/Matsutani LLC • 217-451-4377
www.Fibersol-2.com