Manufacturers ask a variety of questions when formulating meat alternatives. As a result, Fiberstar captured and shared a few of the frequently asked questions about labeling, benefits in oil systems (emulsification), meat-like texture, natural status and other benefits that citrus fiber provides.
Meat alternatives or meat analogs are the hottest food trend hitting the market today. As a result, food producers small and large are climbing the steep learning curve and scrambling to launch new products quickly. Many frequently asked questions pop up when Fiberstar works closely with various meat alternative producers. Some of these manufacturers solely focus on plant-based foods. On the other hand, there are some animal meat manufacturers also chasing the opportunity to expand their share with plant-based offerings. Below capture a few of the frequently asked questions.
1. What is Citri-Fi® Citrus Fiber's Labeling When Used in Meat Alternatives? And is this Clean Label?
Citri-Fi is a clean label option for plant-based meat products. This natural ingredient can be labeled as citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour. All of these options resonate well in the natural and clean label markets. However, clean label carries different meanings. For instance, clean label may imply non-allergenic, containing healthy components and/or non-GMO. The good news is that Citri-Fi fits the many definitions. Since Citri-Fi qualifies under the FDA fiber guidelines, this citrus fiber carries a healthy halo when listed. As a result, consumers relate to fiber ingredients especially when they understand the botanical source - citrus. Also, Citri-Fi is non-allergenic which appeals to the gluten-free market. And this natural fiber is Non-GMO Project certified.
2. Does Citri-Fi Provide Emulsification in Meat Alternatives? And How Does it Work with Oil Systems?
Citri-Fi natural citrus fiber uses a patented process that opens up the fiber to provide high water and oil binding. This is a key benefit when used in a meat alternatives. For instance, plant-based meats incorporate high amounts of oil to simulate their animal-meat counterpart's grisly texture. And since developers add water to many formulations, there is the need for binding. Alternatively, without an emulsifier, the oil may separate and purge out creating dry hockey pucks.
The natural citrus fiber, Citri-Fi, works ideal in oil systems. This natural fiber can be mixed with oils before incorporated into the meat product. As a result, the oil stays bounded in the fiber through-out the meat alternative matrix. And another way to incorporate is to mix it with dry ingredients first.
3. Does Citri-Fi Create Meat-like Texture?
In this instance, texture has many meanings which include firm, juicy and succulent. Because Citri-Fi citrus fiber binds high amounts of oil and water, this creates the juicy and succulent texture that customers desire. Seeing that customers also require the meat-like texture to be firm, Fiberstar is piloting a new texturized citrus fiber - Citri-Fi TX. This new product simulates texturized vegetable protein (TVP) such as pea, soy and wheat, etc. However, this new citrus fiber maintains the meat alternative's firm texture during heating and cooking unlike some of the other vegetable proteins. Texturized citrus fiber partially replaces the TVP at low levels while creating the meat-like texture.
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4. Is Citri-Fi Natural?
Yes, Citri-Fi citrus fiber is natural. Fiberstar produces Citri-Fi from byproduct of the citrus juicing industry. This upcycled fiber is created using a patented process that does not use any chemical modifications unlike other citrus fiber producers. Also, Citri-Fi has no no E-number and is considered a food ingredient and not a food additive. Lastly, this natural fiber is plant-based, non-allergenic and Non-GMO Project certified.
5. What are the Top Reasons why Manufacturers use Citri-Fi Natural Citrus Fiber?
Field feedback and scores of surveys indicate that manufacturers are using Citri-Fi citrus fiber for the natural emulsification, juiciness and succulence it provides plant-based meats. Another reason why manufacturers also gravitate to Citri-Fi is due to Fiberstar's on-going innovation in the plant-based meats category. The team works closely with a diversified group of manufacturers to understand the key market needs. As a result, Fiberstar pilots new technologies in this arena such as the new Citri-Fi TX texturized citrus fiber to improve texture. Our portfolio offers a variety of solutions ranging from creating firm meat-like texture to binding oil and water during harsh food processing and storage conditions.
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