Fibre Enrichment: From Gut Health to Functional Nutrition

In Asia – Pacific, high/source of protein and high/source of fibre are leading claims in functional food and beverage products (1). In particular, the growing interest in gut health is fuelling fibre demand across categories. To consumers, digestive health is no longer just about addressing common digestive issues, it is increasingly recognised for its impact on immunity, energy and mental well-being. They are now aware of the gut microbiome and how digestive and overall wellness are interlinked. 61% of consumers in Asia-Pacific say they recognise the link between their digestive health and emotional well-being (2).

There is a growing need for ingredient solutions that are both functional and flexible and fibre, helps to address this demand by enhancing nutritional profiles, and supporting health benefits that resonate with wellness-driven consumers.

IMCD Food and Nutrition offers a portfolio of versatile fibre solutions that enable formulators to develop better-for-you products without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you're reformulating for sugar reduction, adding functional benefits, or improving satiety and gut health support, our fibre ingredients are designed to meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

As consumers gravitate towards products that offer more than just convenience, soluble fibre is gaining attention for its multi-benefit potential. Fibre is essential to support the gut microbiome and gut health, helping to maintain a balanced and diverse microbiome for a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

With clinically proven health benefits and nutritional assets, NUTRIOSE® is the perfect complement to everyday well-being. NUTRIOSE® shows high flexibility across multiple applications, delivering multiple functions.

Consumers are proactively looking to reduce their sugar intake from everyday foods such as sauces due to the growing awareness of the health impacts of excessive sugar intake. However, reducing sugar in a formulation can result in sensory and textural changes due to the functional role of sugar, aside from adding sweetness.

NUTRIOSE® offers an innovative solution for sugar reduction without sacrificing taste or texture. Acting as a sugar substitute, it helps to retain body, viscosity and mouthfeel of sauces that consumers expect, ensuring a full-flavoured experience with lower sugar content.

With busy schedules and limited time for cooking, consumers are increasingly turning to Ready-To-Eat Meals for quick and hassle-free solutions and in Asia- Pacific, the Ready-To-Eat Meals market is expected to grow by 4.99% CAGR in the next five years (3). Traditionally, Ready-To-Eat Meals have been criticised for being unhealthy due to high levels of sodium and artificial additives, however the market is evolving with a growing focus on healthier options. As such, brands are now reformulating with a focus on balanced nutrition, reducing sugar, fats and sodium while turning to protein and fibre fortification to deliver healthier meals to meet consumer health needs and preferences.

By incorporating NUTRIOSE® into commonly consumed food, there is potential to help improve fibre intakes for a healthy lifestyle. With an outstanding digestive tolerance, discomfort in terms of bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea is minimised, making it suitable for everyone, including those on a low FODMAP (Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet.

There is a shift towards convenient and healthier snacking as consumers increasingly prioritise wellness, opting for snacks that offer nutritional benefits without compromising on taste. Snacks with added health benefits such as fibre and essential vitamins and minerals are appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for a nutritious indulge.

NUTRIOSE® offers excellent processing stability, making it ideal for fibre-enriched bakery applications such as biscuits and cereal-based snacks. This ensures that fibre enrichment can be to the optimum recommended levels to obtain a beneficial effect on general well-being, all while maintaining the appealing taste and texture that drive snack purchases.

For brands navigating a complex landscape of changing consumer expectations and evolving regulations. NUTRIOSE® soluble fibre from our partner, Roquette, offers a strategic edge, offering multiple needs in one clean solution. From sauces to ready-to-eat meals to snacks, NUTRIOSE® is here to support to deliver better-for-you products that resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers, without compromising on taste, texture or enjoyment.