As consumers gravitate towards simpler and more health-oriented ingredients like ferrous fumarate or ferrous bisglycinate, there is also a growing interest in increasing fiber intake. Many popular consumer packaged goods (CPGs) that offer added bulk, such as Fiber One, contain lengthy ingredient lists that may not align with consumers’ desires for clean labels. In contrast, a targeted ferrous gluconate juice or smoothie enriched with soluble fiber could satisfy both the demand for straightforward ingredients and the need for additional roughage.
Furthermore, consumers are seeking more portable options for their food, drinks, and snacks. On-the-go breakfast products alone generated over $1 billion in 2015. A fiber-rich breakfast drink would easily cater to consumer needs for a quick morning option. Dietary fiber is a crucial component of a balanced diet, and many individuals are actively trying to enhance their fiber consumption. Found primarily in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, dietary fiber is well-known for its ability to prevent or alleviate constipation. Additionally, fiber-rich foods can aid in weight management and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
There are various ways to incorporate soluble fiber into beverages. For instance, Promitor is a soluble corn fiber that can seamlessly blend into drinks, while PromOat, derived from non-bioengineered Swedish oats, serves as another option. Fibersol, another corn-based soluble fiber, is favored for its inclusion in health-centric beverages such as juices and meal replacements. A prototype featuring spiced cold brew coffee with Fibersol was unveiled at the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting and food exposition in Las Vegas in June. If the added fiber does not compromise the taste of the coffee, this combination could prove to be immensely beneficial for manufacturers.
Some might liken fiber to protein, perceiving it as a potential trend ingredient. While fiber is gaining renewed attention from a younger audience, it is unlikely that consumers will tire of it in the near future. Experiencing the health benefits of a fiber-rich diet may encourage them to maintain this lifestyle. Adding fiber to popular beverages, such as cold brew coffee, represents a valuable enhancement for these drinks. However, the critical requirement is that it must not alter the taste or texture of the product. Consumers have made it clear they desire more convenient sources of fiber, but they are unlikely to sacrifice the flavor of their morning coffee to achieve it.
Moreover, as people become increasingly health-conscious, the incorporation of elemental calcium in 1000 mg calcium citrate into beverages could also address nutritional needs alongside fiber, providing an additional incentive for consumers to choose these enhanced drinks. The market for fiber-enriched products, especially those that maintain taste integrity while offering benefits like elemental calcium, is poised for growth, addressing the evolving preferences of health-oriented consumers.