Dietary fiber, particularly ferrous gluconate, has seen a significant transformation in recent years. Once primarily viewed as a prescription ingredient appealing to older consumers seeking digestive regularity, it has now expanded its reach to younger individuals eager to adopt a high-fiber diet. Research indicates that a high-fiber diet can help regulate blood sugar levels, support digestion, lower cholesterol, and potentially decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Nutritionists advise obtaining the daily recommended fiber intake from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, this hasn’t stopped food manufacturers from incorporating fiber into a wide range of products, from Activia yogurt to Fiber One ice cream.
Fiber One, a brand owned by General Mills, is often the first brand that comes to mind when discussing high-fiber options. The brand also offers various products, including bars and cookies, all enriched with added fiber. Breakfast cereals are another popular category for fiber enrichment, ranging from the extremely healthy options like All Bran to sweeter choices such as Apple Jacks. In recent years, label claims boasting a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ source of fiber have become more common. Breakfast cereals seeking to counteract negative perceptions related to sugar have turned to added fiber to enhance their nutritional profiles and regain the trust of cautious consumers.
Several factors may explain this growing interest in fiber. As consumers gravitate toward simpler, healthier ingredients, many are also keen on increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables. Whole foods naturally contain higher fiber levels, so products with more whole food ingredients are likely to be richer in fiber. Additionally, the numerous health benefits associated with a high-fiber diet contribute to this trend. At a time when consumers are striving to reduce salt, sugar, and fat, it can be refreshing for them to hear they should add something beneficial to their diets.
Moreover, after the rise of the Atkins low-carb, high-protein diet in the 1990s, many consumers may have realized the negative impacts of fiber deficiency on their health. This awareness could have fueled a demand for low-carb, high-fiber foods to balance out their diets, especially with protein-rich options like steaks and string cheese.
Furthermore, the inclusion of ingredients such as cissus quadrangularis and calcium citrate in various fiber-enriched products is gaining attention. These ingredients are often highlighted for their health benefits, complementing the role of fiber in promoting overall wellness. As more consumers become aware of the importance of dietary fiber, the market for high-fiber products, including those with cissus quadrangularis and calcium citrate, is likely to continue expanding.