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January 28, 2021
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Fiberstar Blog

Plant Sauces: Dressing up Stability and Emulsification

Creating plant sauces containing no animal-derived ingredients separate over time and lack full body mouthfeel. Natural ingredients like Citri-Fi® citrus fiber provide high water holding and emulsification which improve stability and texture in products like vegan ranch dressings.

The market whirled their attention around meat substitutes for the past year. At the same time, dairy alternative foods such as plant milks and dairy-free cheeses continued to grab market share. Yet, one food category remains amiss in this plant-based phenomena – plant sauces. For centuries, sauces and dressings were and still are food’s beloved canopy of flavor and texture. And since some of these products use animal-derived ingredients, they too face challenges converting into vegan versions.

Plant Sauce Challenges

Some sauces and dressings use egg and/or milk proteins to provide texture, stability and flavor. When eliminated, food products suffer from oil and water separation, lack of creaminess and thin textures. However, food developers replace these animal-derived ingredients with modified starches, gums and chemical emulsifiers. As a result, food label declarations turn into lengthy lists full of questionable ingredients in the consumers’ eyes.

Today, the market offers a few natural ingredient options. One natural option, Citri-Fi citrus fiber, provides high water holding and emulsification properties. This citrus fiber’s insoluble and soluble fiber containing intact pectin uses a physical and surface activity mechanism to create the natural emulsification. The oil and water bind tightly to improve stability over time. Moreover, the citrus fiber improves the texture by creating a smooth and full body mouthfeel.

Citrus Fiber Improves Vegan Ranch Dressing

For example, food products such as ranch dressing typically uses mayonnaise, yogurt and buttermilk. Each component contains animal-derived ingredients such as egg and milk protein. However, at very low usage levels (0.2% to 2.0%), Citri-Fi can be used to replace egg in mayonnaise and to improve the texture of plant-based cultured products like dairy-free yogurts. So when the two are combined to make the vegan sauce, it performs like its animal-derived counterpart.

Citri-Fi is non-GMO Project Certified, non-allergenic and gluten-free. It has no E-number. Labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which all resonate well in the clean label markets. Fiberstar, Inc. is a proud member of the Plant-based Foods Association (PBFA).

To learn more about how to create vegan mayo, plant-based cultured products like non-dairy yogurt or plant sauces like vegan ranch dressing, please contact us. Formulation sheets and technical support are available.

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May 19, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

How to Add Citri-Fi® Citrus Fiber to Foods

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber improves texture, labeling, stability and nutrition of various food products. However, to use this natural citrus fiber in foods, it needs to be hydrated correctly to activate the full functionality. As a result, these four easy methods minimize dispersion issues that may arise when adding this natural ingredient. 

Before diving into how to use citrus fiber in foods, let us review why you need to use Citri-Fi in the first place. Citri-Fi citrus fiber uses a process free from chemical modifications. The mechanical process opens up the fiber to provide high water holding and emulsification properties. As a result, when used at low levels (<1%), citrus fiber contributes multiple benefits to a variety of food products such as meats, bakery, beverages, sauces, dairy and frozen foods. Also, this natural ingredient improves hot trending products like dairy and meat alternatives. In the end, Citri-Fi citrus fiber should be your "go-to" natural ingredient to improve stability while cleaning up labels and enhancing nutrition.

Depending on the product, this healthy food ingredient provides various benefits. For instance, this food emulsifier binds water and oil which improves the stability of dairy, beverages, sauces, dressings and dairy alternatives. Additionally, Citri-Fi holds onto water to increase yields and improve juiciness and texture of meats and meat substitution products. Because this natural citrus fiber provides multiple functionalities, it replaces ingredients like starches, gums and other stabilizers to clean up food product labels.

Now that you joined the loyal citrus fiber club, let us talk about how to use it in food products successfully. Although your first urge will be to sprinkle Citri-Fi like pixie dust, proper hydration is key! In the end, properly hydrating Citri-Fi activates the full functionality of this citrus fiber.

How to Use Citri-Fi Citrus Fiber in Foods 

There are four main ways to use this natural hydrocolloid in foods to prevent clumping or "fish eyes".

1. Pre-mixed in Dry Ingredients

One option includes pre-mixing Citri-Fi citrus fiber with dry ingredients such as sugar, salt, flour, etc. depending on the food product. The dry ingredients should be approximately 10 times the weight of Citri-Fi. Moreover, foods that benefit include bakery items, seasoning mixes and processed meats.

2. Dispersed in Oil 

Another way to incorporate this natural food emulsifier is in oil. For instance, Citri-Fi can be mixed into an oil before being added to the food product or liquid. On the other hand, this natural emulsifier when mixed with a certain ratio of oil turns liquids into free-flowing powders As a result, this plated citrus fiber improves the handling and usability of the product. And as a bonus, when added to water or other food products, this plated material provides additional functionalities. For example, plated Citri-Fi provides stability and mouthfeel in beverages.

3. Dispersed into Syrups

Also, Citri-Fi can be added into syrups like sugar or glucose.

4. Prehydrated Directly in Water

Though we recommend adding Citri-Fi to dry ingredients before hydrating in water, you do have the option to prehydrate directly in water. However, in order to use this method, you need to add Citri-Fi in 3% or less solutions. In addition, this natural food ingredient needs to be added using strong agitation to avoid clumping and "fish eyes". Some recommended agitation options include blender, rotor stator homogenizer, mechanical mixer or a magnetic stirrer.

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May 12, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

5 Way to Create Healthy Food using Citrus Fiber

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber creates high quality healthy food. For instance, this natural citrus fiber provides high water holding and emulsification properties. As a result, this natural citrus fiber can reduce oil, fat, eggs and add dietary fiber to an array of food products like bakery, beverages, dressings and snacks. 

Creating healthy food today involves subtracting negatively perceived ingredients in addition to adding health promoting elements. For instance, food makers continue to reduce oils and fats in foods. As a result, consumers benefit from lower calories. On the other hand, creating better foods entails removing allergens such as soy, gluten or egg. Regardless, Citri-Fi citrus fiber is an ultimate tool in creating healthier high quality foods. Since this citrus fiber provides high water holding and emulsification properties, it improves stability, texture and nutrition in a variety of food products.

1.  Increase Fiber Contribution in a Variety of Foods

Today, food makers incorporate dietary fiber to make fiber claims. Since not all fibers are created the same, food manufacturers use more than one fiber type like a cocktail. For instance, some foods use functional fibers like Citri-Fi citrus fiber to provide water holding and emulsification properties. At the same time, formulators add other fibers simply to meet the dietary fiber claim requirements. The beauty of Citri-Fi is that its functional attributes benefit a variety of healthy food while also contributing fiber. For example, this citrus fiber improves mouthfeel and clouding in beverages such as ready-to-drink (RTD) and powdered drinks. And Citri-Fi enhances other foods like nutrition bars, snacks and bakery items.

Also, this functional citrus fiber replaces other ingredients like starches, gums and stabilizers. As a result, Citri-Fi cleans up label declarations while improving the nutritional profile. Citri-Fi's labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour.

2.  Reduce Oil or Fat in Bakery Products

Citri-Fi citrus fiber's high water holding capacity allows bakers to reduce oil and/or fats in baked goods. For instance, when Citri-Fi is used between 0.25% to 1.00% in muffins, cookies or cakes, this natural ingredient retains moisture. As a result, bakery item's freshness factor remains for a longer period time. And this citrus fiber creates a texture that simulates a full-fat mouthfeel which consumers expect. Citri-Fi replaces up to 50% of oil or fat in bakery products without comprising the quality.

3. Remove Egg Products in Dressings and Sauces

Another industry trend is egg-free dressings and sauces which improves the nutritional profile. For instance, dressings like mayonnaise can now be made egg-less without compromising the texture. Citri-Fi citrus fiber's oil and binding power make this happen. Now, these type of products give vegan and vegetarians more options. And due to recent food safety concerns, food services switched to egg-free dressings and sauce food products. Either way, this natural citrus fiber creates a smooth texture that remains stable for long periods of time at low usage levels. 

4.  Minimize Saturated Fats in Meat Alternatives 

Citri-Fi citrus fiber also reduces saturated fats in meat substitution products like meat-free patties. Since many meat alternatives use coconut oil, these products tend to contain high amounts of saturated fats. When Citri-Fi 100 series is used in an emulsion, this natural ingredient allows food makers to use unsaturated oils and at a lower level. At the same time, the meat alternative is juicy and succulent during the cooking process. And to improve the meat-like texture, Fiberstar recently launched Citri-Fi TX. This new citrus fiber provides cold binding which allows food makers to replace binders like gluten. As a result, those formulating without allergens benefit with a clean label binding system.

5.  Improve Gluten-free Food Texture, Nutrition and Quality

Gluten-free continues to be a market need. Initially, first generation foods were loaded with simple carbohydrates with a short shelf-life. However, today, food makers focus on creating higher quality and healthier versions. And manufacturers upgraded to a more wholesome approach to gluten-free food making. Citri-Fi citrus fiber is an ideal solution when creating gluten-free foods. Because this natural citrus fiber holds onto water, gluten-free foods retain moisture longer. As a result, this improves the freshness factor. And because Citri-Fi meets the FDA fiber guidelines, this natural ingredient contributes fiber to the overall nutrition.

 

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April 30, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Meat Alternative Ingredients: Top 5 FAQ About Citri-Fi® TX

The brand new Citri-Fi® TX citrus fiber provides cold binding and meat-like texture to meat alternatives like meat-free patties. This is a the first new texturizing citrus fiber to hit the market. Learn more about this exciting new meat alternative ingredient by reading the frequently asked questions (FAQ).

Fiberstar, Inc. recently launched Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber used to improve meat alternatives. This new meat alternative ingredient improves texture and cold binding in meat-free food products like patties. During this launch, a flood of questions poured in about this new technology. Many manufacturers are searching for new meat alternative ingredients such as vegetable proteins, methyl cellulose replacers, binders and texturants. At the same time, this new Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber provides a few of these desired benefits. Check out the top frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Citri-Fi TX citrus fiber.

1.  What is the NEW Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber?

This new texturizing citrus fiber provides a few key benefits including meat-like texture, cold binding and clean label. For instance, the larger particle size lends itself to bind more water than gluten and other binders. As a result, it serves as a way to prevent the meat-free patty from turning soft and mushy during cooking. Also, it absorbs water through processing, storage and cooking. And the larger particle size adds a more meat-like texture with particulates similar to that of ground beef.

Citri-Fi TX is non-allergen, therefore it is a natural choice when replacing gluten in meat alternative formulations. Also, this natural citrus fiber is Non-GMO Project certified.

2.  What Functional Benefits Does Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber Provide?

As mentioned previously, Citri-Fi TX provides a few key benefits that other meat alternative ingredients lack. For instance, this citrus fiber creates cold binding benefits. This is essential in creating meatless patties that maintain shape and form without falling apart. In addition to cold binding, Citri-Fi TX also contributes to the meat-like texture to simulate an animal meat eating experience. Many vegetarian meats suffer from mushy and soft texture. However, this citrus fiber's large particle size and water binding capacity supplements the base texture to give it a meatier bite. Citri-Fi TX binds more water than other binders like gluten. As a result, this citrus fiber can replace gluten especially in formulations that are requiring allergen-free ingredients.

3.  How is Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber Different Than Other Citri-Fi Products?

The key differences between Citri-Fi TX from the other Citri-Fi products are particle size, water holding and protein binding power. Citri-Fi TX is a larger particle size citrus fiber which helps create that meatier texture similar to that of ground beef. Citri-Fi TX binds significantly more water than gluten or other binders. As a result, it serves a way to prevent the meat-free patties from getting soft and mushy during the cooking process. Since this citrus fiber has binding power, it absorbs water throughout processing, storage and cooking. Thus, less gelling, binding and water absorbing ingredients are needed. Usage level ranges between 0.4% to 4%.

The other Citri-Fi products provide water holding too. However, their composition and particle size lends them to creating excellent emulsions. These citrus fibers bind water and oil to keep meat-free patties stable over time. Also, these products create juicy and succulent texture that consumers expect. Usage level ranges between 0.5% to 2%.

4.  What Stability Benefits Does Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber Provide in Meat Alternatives? 

Citri-Fi TX is heat, pH and freeze/thaw stable. Salt content does not affect Citri-Fi's functionality in meat alternatives. And as long as there is moisture in the patty, the binding will not break down over time.

5.  What is Citri-Fi TX Citrus Fiber's Labeling? 

Citri-Fi TX's labeling options include Citrus Fiber, Dried Citrus Pulp or Citrus Flour. As a result, these resonate well in the clean label and natural markets.

Additional Information about Citri-Fi Citrus Fiber and Meat Alternatives

NEW Texturizing Citrus Fiber: Citri-Fi® for Meat Alternatives

Meat Alternatives and Citrus Fiber FAQ

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April 21, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Egg-Free Sauces: A Hard Egg to Crack

Citri-Fi® citrus provides natural emulsification and high stability to egg-free sauces and dressings like mayonnaise. As low as 0.25% to 1.50% usage level delivers thickness and full body to no egg dressing food products. Due to its high functionality, this citrus fiber also replaces starches and gums to clean up food labeling.

Eggs are essential when creating foods such as baked goods, dairy desserts, dressings and sauces. Because of its composition, eggs offer the biggest bang for the buck - emulsification. On the other hand, despite eggs being a natural food, it does not serve the vegan, vegetarian and/or allergen-free markets. And in some markets, developers seek out egg-free options to create healthier and safe food products for retail and food service. In that case, Citri-Fi citrus fiber is an excellent natural ingredient to use when creating egg-free sauces and dressings.

Creating Egg-cellent Egg-free Sauces

Citri-Fi citrus fiber provides high water holding and emulsification properties. Due to its composition, this natural fiber binds oil and water and creates highly stable sauces. As a result, formulators can eliminate eggs in certain egg-free sauces and dressings like mayonnaise. Citri-Fi's recommended usage levels range between 0.25% to 1.50%. And because this functional fiber provides similar benefits to eggs, Citri-Fi also replaces starches and gums which are typical go-to's when formulating egg-free sauces. Citri-Fi cleans up labels and creates high quality food products. For instance, Citri-Fi's labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which resonate well in the natural food markets.

Moreover, Citri-Fi citrus fiber also provides thickness and full body mouthfeel. This plant-based ingredient is vegan, vegetarian and allergen-free. It has no E-number which is ideal for certain markets like Europe. Citri-Fi creates highly stable egg-less sauces and dressings. Learn more about natural emulsification or creating no egg sauces by checking out the video library.

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April 16, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Replace Phosphates in Meats: 3 Ways to Use Citrus Fiber

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber is a highly functional natural ingredient that can be used to replace phosphates in meats. At low usage levels and in conjunction with either starch, carrageenan or sodium carbonate, this natural citrus fiber improves yields, reduces purge and cleans up food labeling.

No preservatives. Chemical-free. Natural. All these terms sit in the lime light when it comes to describing clean label food products. And the meat and poultry category is no stranger to that. Consumers continue to demand cleaner and more natural meat products. However, removing phosphates is not an easy task. Phosphate is the secret sauce to create high yield poultry products that benefit both the producer and the consumer. Producers save money while consumers enjoy a juicy and succulent meal. Replacing phosphates in meats with natural ingredients appear to be a food science paradox. However, there are phosphate replacement solutions available.

The 3 Pillars: Natural, Meats and Citrus Fiber

Citri-Fi citrus fiber is produced using a patented process that opens up the fiber to create high surface area. As a result, this natural ingredient provides high water holding and emulsification properties. These functionalities are key in meat processing. Ultimately, Citri-Fi improves marinade injected poultry or chicken yields and juicy texture. At the same time, this natural ingredient reduces purge. Citri-Fi's labeling options include citrus flour or dried citrus pulp which resonate well in the natural markets.

The 3 Solutions: Starches, Carrageenan, Sodium Carbonate

One of the most common ways to replace phosphates in meats include using citrus fiber together with starches. Typically we recommend using a rice starch due to its small particle size. Given that Citri-Fi holds onto the water, the other water loving ingredients - starch- creates the viscosity and gel matrix during the cooking process to maintain high yields. Citri-Fi usage level ranges between 0.3% to 0.5%. And the rice starch usage level ranges between 0.3% to 0.8%.

Another phosphate replacement solution is to use citrus fiber in conjunction with carrageenan. Both water loving ingredients tend to hold onto the water during the cooking process to produce juicy and succulent poultry products. Again, Citri-Fi's usage level ranges between 0.3% to 0.5%. And the carrageenan's usage level ranges between 0.1% to 0.3%.

Lastly, citrus fiber and sodium carbonate work together to replace phosphates in poultry meats. Sodium carbonate relaxes the animal muscle to allow more water to bind. Meanwhile, Citri-Fi holds onto the water to maintain high yields and reduce purge in the meats. Here, Citri-Fi's usage level ranges between 0.2% to 0.4%. Studies show that injected poultry using Citri-Fi and sodium carbonate together improved yield by more than 4% versus poultry injected with no phosphates. Coincidentally, many meat processors already use sodium carbonate as a processing aid or for other purposes.

To learn more about the clean label ways to replace phosphates in meats, please check out our VIDEO or contact us.

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March 31, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Creating Different Types of Plant Milk With Citrus Fiber Top 3 FAQ

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber is used in various types of plant milk to improve stability and smooth mouthfeel. The process involves low levels of Citri-Fi (0.2% to 0.4%), mixing and homogenization to create these high quality products. 

In the first BLOG: Top 7 FAQ about Citrus Fiber in Plant-based Milks, we discussed how Citri-Fi citrus benefits different types of plant milks. However, in this discussion, we will expand how to use citrus fiber. Fiberstar works closely with Customers from bench top to commercialization to make sure they create high quality plant-based milks.  As a result, the team compiled the top 3 FAQ about how to use Citri-Fi in different types of milk alternatives.

Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions Using Citrus Fiber in Plant Drinks

1.  How Do You Use Citri-Fi Citrus Fiber in Plant Milks?

As mentioned in the previous blog, Citri-Fi 100FG or Citri-Fi 100M40 dosage level ranges between 0.2% to 0.4%. The citrus fiber is typically mixed with other dry ingredients, if any, and added to heated water with a vortex. You can hydrate using cold or warm water. However, we recommend using warm water to activate the intrinsic pectin to be more functional. On the other hand, if you have to use room temperature, hydration time should be longer to allow the citrus fiber to swell and dissolve.

Then, the plant-based paste is added and mixed for a certain amount of time. Next, you homogenize the solution. If there is any sediment or phase separation, you homogenize a second time. Lastly, you pasteurize and store at set temperature or treat by ultra heat high temperature (UHT). For more a detailed process, please Contact Us for technical applications sheets which outline the whole process. To learn more, please check out our video in the Video Library.

2.  Does Citri-Fi Citrus Fiber Interact With Other Ingredients in the Plant Milk Formula?

Yes, citrus fiber interacts with other ingredients otherwise it would not provide the stabilizing effect in different types of plant milk. On the other hand, Citri-Fi citrus fiber does not react with other minerals or ions present including calcium or magnesium. And the type of plant base does matter. For instance, some bases create a situation where fat floats to the top. Citri-Fi binds the fat and water to prevent fat separation when homogenized.

3. Is Homogenization Pressure Important When Using Citri-Fi Natural Citrus Fiber in Plant Milks?

Yes, homogenization pressure is important when using citrus fiber in plant milks. Depending on the raw material (plant base), two cycles may be needed. However, homogenization pressure should be at least 150-250 bar. And even though we recommend downstream to homogenize particles which may result from heat treatment, you can also use upstream. This is key in creating high quality types of plant milk.

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March 27, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Bettering Bakery Ingredients with Clean Label Citrus Fiber

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber's high water holding and emulsification properties improve a variety bakery products geared toward clean label, vegan, paleo and health and wellness markets. This clean label bakery ingredient's low usage level and natural labeling makes it an essential food ingredient when baking.

Creating clean foods, especially bakery products, have different meanings depending on the consumers. Some believe clean refers to the ingredient declaration. For example, food labeling should list recognizable ingredients and be short in length. On the other hand, others think clean defines health and wellness. As a result, many consumers adhere to specialty diets like paleo or vegan. And then there are consumers who see clean label as "free from". For instance, bakery products that are free from gluten or other allergens appeal to those who seek overall well-being. Regardless of the definition, bakery ingredients, such as citrus fiber, provide companies a way to create clean label bakery applications.

Clean Label Bakery Ingredients

Citri-Fi citrus fiber is a highly functional ingredient that provides high water holding and emulsification properties to bakery products. These bakery ingredients replace chemical emulsifiers while maintaining the structure and texture of baked goods. Also, this natural fiber improves perceived freshness over time because it delays the staling process. Because Citri-Fi label options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour, this bakery ingredient resonates well in the natural markets. Lastly, this citrus fiber's usage levels range from 0.2% to 1.0% which means less is more when creating high quality bakery products. To learn more about usage levels, check out the Bakery Application Guide.

Health and Wellness Baked Goods

Many bakers are converting their recipes to vegan due to the latest plant-based food trend. As a result, Citri-Fi citrus fiber is used in conjunction with other natural ingredients to replace animal fats or eggs. Its emulsification properties makes this an essential baking ingredient when creating better-for-you products. Moreover, the same emulsification properties also benefit gluten-free products. These "free-from" items tend to be dry and mealy due to the types of flours used. However, Citri-Fi helps to improve the moisture retention so that products remain fresher longer.

Additional Information About Formulating Clean Bakery

The below links are great resources to learn more about clean label baked goods and how Citri-Fi citrus fiber can help you create high quality bakery products. The Bakery Video Library is also an excellent resource.

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March 23, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Top 7 FAQ about Citrus Fiber in Plant-based Milks

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber improves mouthfeel and stability in different types of plant-based milks. At low usage levels, 0.2% to 0.4%, this clean label citrus fiber creates high quality plant milk. To learn more, Fiberstar compiled a list of FAQ about citrus fiber in plant-based milks.

Vegan milks may differ in the plant bases, yet, they all possess similar textural goals. As a matter of fact, they all strive to provide consumers a wonderful mouthfeel and stability over time. One ingredient that offers these desired benefits is Citri-Fi citrus fiber. Because of this, Fiberstar works closely with plant-based milk manufacturers from bench top to commercialization to understand the science behind the benefits. And for that reason, the team compiled the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) about citrus fiber in plant-based milks.

Top 7 Questions about Citrus Fiber in Plant-based Milks

1. What Benefits Does Citrus Fiber Provide Plant Milks?

Citrus fiber, such as Citri-Fi, improves the creamy and full body mouthfeel and stability of the beverage over time. Due to Citri-Fi's high water holding and emulsification properties, this natural ingredient binds water and oil to improve the stability especially during harsh processing conditions. And, because this citrus fiber opens up in shear conditions, its high surface area also increases the viscosity of the drink. To learn more, please check out the Fiberstar Video Library.

2.  Which Type of Citri-Fi is Recommended and at What Dosage or Usage Level? 

Citri-Fi 100FG or Citri-Fi 100M40 dosage level ranges between 0.2% to 0.4%. However, increasing the usage level does not create better stability. Because this citrus fiber provides high functionality, lower levels deliver all the textural and stability benefits.

3.  How is Citri-Fi Labeled?

Citri-Fi labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour. In parts of Europe, other labeling options include citrus fibre or plant fibre from citrus fruits. These labeling options resonate well in the clean label and natural markets.

4. Is Citri-Fi Heat Stable? 

Yes, Citri-Fi citrus fiber is heat stable. For instance, Citri-Fi remains stable even through ultra high temperature (UHT) processing.

5. Can Citri-Fi Replace Gums in Non-dairy Beverages? 

Yes, in most cases, Citri-Fi citrus fiber replaces gums in different types of plant-based milks. For example, to replace gellan gum,  add 0.3% of Citri-Fi 100FG before the homogenization step. Other additives citrus fiber replaces include locust bean gum, guar gum and/or modified starch.

6. How Does Citri-Fi Compared to Gellan Gum, MCC or other Hydrocolloids and Emulsifiers Currently Used in a Different Types of Plant-based Milks? 

When using Citri-Fi citrus fiber instead of the latter, the citrus fiber creates a more natural mouthfeel and less sticky texture.

7. To Create Stable Plant Drinks, can Citri-Fi be Used Alone or Does this Citrus Fiber Need to be Used with Other Stabilizing Food Ingredients? 

Citri-Fi citrus fiber creates high quality plant-based milks when used alone. Some exceptions include when other ingredients are used such as fine cocoa particles which tend to settle over time. Depending on the formulation, Citri-Fi provides some suspension to create that stability.

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March 17, 2020
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Fiberstar Blog

Healthy Beverages Spill into 2020

Citri-Fi® citrus fiber improves texture, nutrition and labeling of healthy beverages such as acidified protein drinks, vegetable/fruit drinks, smoothies and powders. At low usage levels (0.1% to 1.0%), this natural fiber delivers emulsification, improved mouthfeel, stability and clouding to a variety of beverages.

Healthy beverages continue to spike interest in 2020. These healthy beverage launches range from using less sugar to incorporating more functional ingredients to promote overall well being.  For instance, Citri-Fi citrus fiber not only contributes some fiber to drinks, but also, this natural ingredient provides additional textural benefits such as emulsification, stabilization, clouding and improved mouthfeel.

Healthy Beverages using Citrus Fiber

Citri-Fi is a natural citrus fiber created by a patented process free from chemical modifications. This natural ingredient provides high water and oil binding which is ideal for healthy refreshments like acidified protein and fruit and vegetable drinks. As a result, these healthy beverages maintain stability during harsh processing conditions. Citri-Fi also thickens drinks such as smoothies to give a more pleasant mouthfeel. And, this natural fiber provides improved texture and clouding to powdered drinks such as sports performance beverages.

Turning Liquids into Flow-able Powders

Another benefit of using Citri-Fi citrus fiber includes using this natural ingredient as a plating agent. This citrus fiber's high surface area lends itself to holding high levels of oil. Depending on the oil, Citri-Fi plates up to 25-30% oil and turns the oil into a flow-able powder. As a result, product developers benefit by plating flavored and/or nutritional oils. Moreover, the plated Citri-Fi not only delivers oil to a liquid system, but it also contributes functional textural benefits. For instance, a developer has the ability to plate a flavor onto Citri-Fi and incorporate the plated fiber into a beverage. The plated Citri-Fi delivers and stabilizes the oil.  And the plated fiber improves the mouthfeel as well as creates a clouding effect

Citrus Fiber Usage in Healthy Drinks

Citri-Fi citrus fiber is used between 0.1% to 1.0% in most beverages. More is less when it comes to this citrus fiber. For instance, very low dosages provide all the textural benefits to improve healthy beverages. For best results, mix the citrus fiber with other dry ingredients first. At the same time, Citri-Fi can also be added to liquids with a strong vortex present to prevent fish eyes. Check out the beverage usage guide or the video library for additional information.

Clean Benefits in Healthy RTD

Citri-Fi's labeling options include citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour.  As a result, this natural fiber helps clean up label declarations which resonates well in the natural market. Also, Citri-Fi is non-GMO project certified and gluten-free/allergen-free. This natural fiber has no E-number which is ideal for the European markets.

Additional Articles on Citrus Fiber in Beverages 

To learn more about using Citri-Fi citrus fiber in beverages, please check out the below articles:

Ingredients for coffee, tea and juice provide new opportunities (Dairy Foods)

Plant-based Beverages: An Untapped Opportunity for Citrus Fiber (Part 1) BLOG

Plant-based Beverages: An Untapped Opportunity for Citrus Fiber (Part 2) BLOG

The Rough and the Smoothie BLOG

How to Make Clean Label Yogurt using Citrus Fiber BLOG

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