More Fiber, Less Fat

In their quest to get the most nutrition for their money, consumers are reading food labels now more than ever. And a product with high fiber and low fat is almost sure to land in the grocery cart.

MGP Ingredients, Inc. developed FiberRite® RW to help improve the nutritional value of food products through fiber fortification. This RS4-type resistant wheat starch provides a minimum of 75% total dietary fiber on dry basis (AOAC method 991.43). Additionally, it performs as a partial fat replacer, while also reducing caloric content.

“This product has been a great success for improving the nutritional value of food products through fiber fortification, and because of its positive sensory attributes,” says Steve Ham, director of marketing. “FiberRite RW, when hydrated, possesses a creamy texture that is effective in partially replacing fat in many food applications. It’s a great combination for making significant and healthier versions of food products.”

According to Ham, FiberRite RW enables manufacturers to make claims of “reduced fat” and/or “good source” or “excellent source” of fiber on food products.

Unlike traditional fiber sources like bran, FiberRite RW is a fine, white powder with a neutral flavor profile that blends well with other ingredients to achieve the desired sensory qualities. The ingredient is currently used in frozen desserts, yogurt, salad dressings, sauces, creme fillings and confections, according to Ham. “It has been successful in these applications due to the combination of nutritional enhancement, functional performance through processing and positive sensory properties, making it a highly effective ingredient solution,” he says.

According to Ham, formulators typically incorporate FiberRite RW at levels to help drive improvements in nutritional labeling. “There are also applications driven by functional performance to improve the texture or eating properties of the food, where use levels of 1% to 5% are common,” he notes.

FiberRite RW has tremendous versatility in delivering benefits to a wide range of applications due to its combined sensory attributes, ease of formulation and nutritional benefits. “A positive impact on all of these product benefits help food manufacturers build a long-term, sustainable product portfolio, as fiber has long-term importance for consumers, and great-tasting products drive repeat sales,” Ham says.

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

100 Commercial Street

P.O. Box 130

Atchison, KS66002

Phone: 866/547-2122

Website: mgpingredients.com