FiberSmart has recently received FDA approval as the latest innovative sweetener. Its nutritional benefits and versatility distinguish it in the market, as companies strive to develop food and beverages that are both delicious and health-promoting. This ingredient has been available since 2015 and is classified as a dietary fiber. According to Anderson Advanced Ingredients, FiberSmart is water-soluble and offers a smooth mouthfeel, unlike some fibers that can feel gritty.
Additionally, FiberSmart shows potential as a substitute for maltodextrin, a widely used ingredient in many consumer packaged goods for thickening, texturizing, and preservation. While maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, FiberSmart maintains a lower index, making it a healthier option. John Jarmul, vice president of marketing at Anderson Advanced Ingredients, stated, “We have received so much positive feedback about FiberSmart not only for its versatility and tolerability, but also because its tight tolerances around water activity improve product consistency and production run times. It’s a great product for lowering sugar content and increasing fiber without sacrificing taste or texture.”
Anderson Advanced Ingredients was also mindful of ensuring that this fiber ingredient would not lead to any digestive issues for consumers. A study conducted by Australia’s Murdoch University Centre for Molecular Medicine demonstrated that even double the recommended amount of FiberSmart was well tolerated by participants. As manufacturers increasingly seek healthy, clean-label, and low-sugar products, ingredients like FiberSmart are in high demand. Since FiberSmart is not classified as sugar, it does not appear on Nutrition Facts labels, further enhancing its appeal.
With its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, FiberSmart is poised for broader adoption in various food products. However, like many alternative sweeteners, it is unlikely to be used in isolation. While there is a wide range of sweeteners derived from plants, fruits, starches, and proteins, most do not mimic sugar’s behavior precisely. FiberSmart has only one-fifth of the sweetness of an equivalent amount of sugar and lacks many of sugar’s functional properties. This type of ingredient can reduce the overall sugar content in products or be combined with other, more intensely sweet alternatives.
Moreover, FiberSmart’s compatibility with other nutritional ingredients, such as ferrous calcium citrate, enhances its appeal in health-focused formulations. This combination can provide additional health benefits while maintaining product quality. In summary, FiberSmart represents a promising advancement in the quest for healthier sweetening options, appealing to both manufacturers and consumers aiming for nutritious and enjoyable food experiences.