Fiber-enriched crackers

Fibers

Consumer demand for fiber continues steady rise

Fiber is crucial to our health and well-being, and regular consumption can lead to many desirable health benefits. These health benefits are well-established and it is difficult to find any information about better nutrition that does not praise the importance of consuming more fiber. Today’s consumers are demanding more fiber in everything, from breakfast cereals and snacks to side dishes and beverages.

Top categories include bakery and cereals, as both incorporate fiber from grains as well as ingredient sources, but surprisingly, growth is strongest in subcategories not typically associated with fiber, such as carbonates, deli substitutes, chocolate and instant noodles.

The takeaway for food and beverage manufacturers is that there is no shortage of opportunities to grow their businesses by creating products with increased fiber that taste great and contribute to the benefits consumers demand.

Webinar: Fiber in Focus Create consumer value with digestive health benefits

Manufacturers have an opportunity to drive brand loyalty and growth by (re)formulating fiber-enriched products that help consumers in their pursuit of improved digestive health. Ingredion experts will discuss:

  • Evolving consumer demand for digestive health solutions
  • The value proposition of fiber benefits
  • Formulating fiber-rich food and beverage products that deliver on taste, texture and functionality
Watch now

Gut Check: Exploring digestive health & fiber solutions

Food manufacturers have the opportunity to drive preference by fortifying products with various fiber solutions. Download our whitepaper to:

  • Gain insights on rising consumer demand for fiber-fortified products
  • Understand the key components of digestive health
  • Develop strategies for creating winning products focused on digestive health
Download whitepaper

Regular fiber consumption can contribute to a wide variety of health benefits consumers seek

Dependent on the type and amount consumed on a regular basis, dietary fiber not only aids digestion but can also offer a variety of other benefits*, including:  ​

  • Improved Bowel function (laxation)​
  • Lower LDL/cholesterol which can reduce the risk of heart disease​
  • Health claim reducing risk of coronary disease ​
  • Lower blood glucose/insulin​
  • Bone health/calcium absorption for increased mineral absorption in the intestinal tract​
  • Lower calorie intake due to increased satiety ​
    *FDA recognized

Types of fiber

Soluble fiber

This type of fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium.​

Insoluble fiber

This type of fiber can support regularity as it promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and increases stool bulk. Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans and potatoes, are good sources of insoluble fiber. ​

Enrich your products with Ingredion’s proven fiber solutions

Create fiber-rich products that consumers will crave. We have what you need to bring your vision to life through a broad plant-based portfolio of in-demand ingredients and solutions for improved nutrition, health and wellness applications. Our formulation, sensory and nutrition science experts have the experience to help you design and get your fiber-enhanced products to market faster. Let our dedicated team be your guide for claims substantiation, label requirements and identifying a fiber solution that’s right for your product.

Webinar: Fiber’s role in nutrition, health and wellness snacking

Formulating snacks with a fiber focus can have a positive impact on your brand growth and appeal. Learn more consumer insights and healthy snacking trends from Ingredion experts.

View Webinar

Related resources

Fiber-enriched cereal with berries, milk and garnish

Digestive health

Create appeal and promote consumer well-being with solutions designed to maintain and improve digestive and gut health.

Learn more

Prebiotic infant formula

Prebiotics for infant nutrition

Support infant digestive health with high-quality ingredients.

Learn more

Formulating for nutrition

Give consumers more of what they want and less of what they don’t. Our solutions for nutrition can replace less-desirable ingredients with more nutritious alternatives — adding fiber, enhancing protein or reducing sugar in your application.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions:

What is dietary fiber made of? 

Dietary fiber is made up of carbohydrate polymers with three or more monomeric units (MUs), which are neither digested nor absorbed in the human intestine. Some non-carbohydrates such as lignin and substances which are present in cell walls linked to polysaccharides may also be considered dietary fibers according to different regulatory authorities.

Where does dietary fiber come from? 

Dietary fibers may come from: 

  • Naturally occurring sources: “intrinsic and intact” carbohydrates and lignin
  • Isolated or synthetic carbohydrates that have physiological effects that are beneficial to human health

What are the food sources of dietary fibers? 

Both soluble and insoluble fibers are naturally occurring in food sources such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, tubers and cereals. Resistant starch can only be found in starchy foods such as cereals, tubers and green bananas. Pectins are more naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, and β-glucans and arabinoxylans are present in cereals.1

What are the functional benefits of adding Ingredion’s dietary fiber solutions to your formulations?​

Our selection of soluble and insoluble fibers offers an array of added benefits. Differentiate your products with enhanced fiber that supports digestive health and can also reduce sugar and calories, improve texture and support sustainability goals.

Learn more about texturizers

Whether you’re formulating for a specific characteristic or simply interested in learning more about an ingredient, our Texturizer Solutions page has all the information you need.

Learn more

Let’s make your goals a reality

Collaborate with us today to tap into our deep nutrition and sensory science expertise, formulation experience, broad portfolio of in-demand ingredients, market research, consumer insights and more.

Contact the SOLUTION GURUS™

1Makki, Kassem, et al. "The impact of dietary fiber on gut microbiota in host health and disease." Cell Host & Microbe 23.6 (2018): 705-715.

*Meets FDA requirements for dietary fibers

The information described above is offered solely for your consideration, investigation and independent verification. It is up to you to decide whether and how to use this information. Ingredion Incorporated and the Ingredion group of companies make no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of the information contained above or the suitability of any of their products for your specific intended use. Furthermore, all express or implied warranties of noninfringement, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are hereby disclaimed. Ingredion Incorporated and the Ingredion group of companies assume no responsibility for any liability or damages arising out of or relating to the foregoing.