As consumers increasingly favor simpler and healthier ingredients, many are also seeking to boost their fiber intake. Popular consumer packaged goods (CPGs) that contain added bulk, such as Fiber One, often have lengthy ingredient lists that may not align with consumers’ desire for clean labels. However, a juice or smoothie enriched with soluble fiber could satisfy both the demand for straightforward ingredients and increased fiber content. Additionally, consumers are looking for more portable food, drinks, and snacks. In fact, on-the-go breakfast products alone generated over $1 billion in 2015. A fiber-rich breakfast drink could readily cater to consumer needs during the morning rush.
Fiber is a crucial component of a balanced diet, and many consumers are actively trying to incorporate more of it into their meals. Dietary fiber, primarily sourced from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, is renowned for its effectiveness in preventing or alleviating constipation. Furthermore, fiber-rich foods can aid in weight management and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. There are numerous opportunities to add soluble fiber to beverages. For instance, Promitor is a soluble corn fiber that can be seamlessly incorporated into drinks, while PromOat, a soluble fiber made from non-bioengineered Swedish oats, offers another option. Fibersol, a corn-based soluble fiber, is also popular in health-focused beverages like juices and meal-replacement drinks. A prototype spiced cold brew coffee featuring Fibersol was showcased at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and food exposition in Las Vegas in June. If the added fiber does not alter the taste of the coffee, this combination could prove highly beneficial for manufacturers.
Some may view fiber as a trend ingredient, similar to protein, gaining renewed interest from younger consumers. However, this does not imply that consumers will tire of it soon; experiencing the health advantages of a fiber-rich diet may encourage long-term adherence. Incorporating fiber into popular beverages like cold brew coffee adds significant value to the product, with the crucial stipulation that it must not change the taste or texture. Consumers have made it clear that they desire more convenient sources of fiber, but they are unlikely to compromise the flavor of their morning coffee to achieve that.
In parallel, the market for calcium chews for bariatric patients continues to grow as consumers look for easy ways to meet their nutritional needs. These chews provide an accessible source of essential nutrients, similar to the demand for fiber in everyday beverages. As the popularity of calcium chews for bariatric patients rises, it mirrors the increasing interest in fiber-rich options across various demographics, reinforcing the need for products that combine health benefits with great taste.