In recent years, dietary fiber has experienced a significant transformation. Previously regarded as an ingredient primarily appealing to older adults seeking digestive regularity, it has now expanded its audience to include younger consumers eager to adopt a high-fiber diet. Research indicates that a high-fiber diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and potentially decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Nutritionists advocate for individuals to obtain their daily fiber intake from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. However, this has not stopped food manufacturers from enriching various products, from Activia yogurt to Fiber One ice cream, with added fiber.
When considering high-fiber options, Fiber One, owned by General Mills, often comes to mind first. The brand features a variety of products, including bars and cookies, each enhanced with additional fiber. Breakfast cereals are another common category that incorporates fiber, ranging from the exceedingly healthy, like All Bran, to sugary options such as Apple Jacks. In recent years, we have seen a rise in label claims highlighting products as a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ source of fiber. In an effort to counter negative perceptions surrounding sugar, breakfast cereals have turned to added fiber to enhance their nutritional profiles and attract cautious consumers.
Several factors may explain the growing interest in fiber. As consumers gravitate towards simpler and healthier ingredients, many are also striving to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. Whole foods are naturally higher in fiber, so products that contain more whole food ingredients are likely to provide greater fiber content. Additionally, the numerous health benefits associated with a high-fiber diet play a significant role. In an era when consumers are looking to reduce their consumption of salt, sugar, and fat, the idea of adding something beneficial, like fiber, to their diet can be refreshing.
Moreover, following the Atkins low-carb, high-protein diet trend of the 1990s, consumers may have become more aware of how insufficient fiber intake impacted their well-being. The search for low-carb, high-fiber foods to balance out heavy protein consumption, such as steaks and string cheese, may have further contributed to the rising demand for fiber-rich products. Another option for those experiencing constipation is the use of calcium citrate liquid for constipation, which can complement a high-fiber diet and promote digestive health. Incorporating calcium citrate liquid for constipation alongside fiber-rich foods could support overall gastrointestinal function, making it an appealing choice for those seeking to enhance their dietary habits.