January 2005     Baking Management

What is Fiberstar and what role is it playing in the development of enhanced functional fibers?

Fiberstar is a company focused solely on developing new technologies regarding food fibers. In 1998, Fiberstar gave funding to the University of Minnesota to commence an extensive study of raw materials to determine what fibers had the greatest capacity for holding and binding water. As a result of the study researchers developed a unique process that substantially increases both the surface area and the water binding capability of plant fibers. The University of Minnesota patented this process and Fiberstar holds an exclusive license to this technology.

What is Citri-Fi™?

Citri-Fi™ is a uniquely processed food fiber that has a functional performance exceeding all other fibers, according to studies conducted at the University of Minnesota. It is all natural, made from Citrus plants and is protected by issued and pending patents.

What are the unique functional attributes of Citri-Fi™?

Citri-Fi™ has been proven to manage moisture migration while contributing softness, and add fiber content to a variety of finished products. The functional properties of Citri-Fi™ allow it to be used as a partial shortening and oil replacement. In doing so, Citri-Fi™ reduces fat and trans-fatty acids by at least 50% in bakery foods without sacrificing taste, volume, texture and cost. At a 50% reduction of fat in cakes, muffins, and breads and rolls, Fiberstar's customers report no difference between Fiberstar's reduced-fat products and their own full-fat versions.

What are the properties of Citri-Fi™?

Citri-Fi™ is tan in color, odorless and free of flavor. Citri-Fi™ contains about 50% insoluble fiber with a total dietary fiber content of about 75%.

What formula and process changes are necessary to realize a 50% reduction of fat in a product when using Citri-Fi™?

The amount of fat is reduced by 50% in the formula and replaced by a combination of Citri-Fi™ and additional water. Typically, processing changes are unnecessary.

Can Fiberstar customize formulas for specific products/applications?

Yes. Fiberstar's qualified technicians can customize formulas for specific requirements. Additionally, they can assist customers in installation of these formulas at the plant level.

Does Fiberstar have other products?

Fiberstar also manufactures Forti-Fi™ 25 and Forti-Fi™ 50, which are designed to provide the maximum benefit of having fiber in a product. Depending on the level of their usage, finished products qualify as "Good" or "Excellent" sources of fiber while maintaining identical taste and texture properties as compared to a standard product.

Is Citri-Fi™ Kosher/Parve and how is it packed?

Yes, Citri-Fi™ is Kosher/Parve and comes in 42# and 50# cartons.