Citri-Fi Natural Citrus Fiber
Citri-Fi is a clean label and natural citrus fiber that provides multiple functionalities that can be used to improve product texture, nutrition, costs and labeling.
View our Citri-Fi Functionality videos to learn more. Also available in other languages.
Key Citrus Fiber Features
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- High water holding capacity
- Emulsification properties
- Gelling properties in low pH/high Brix conditions
- Heat and pH stability
- Freeze/thaw Stability
- Replacement for chemical or synthetic ingredients
Key Citrus Fiber Attributes
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- Natural | Clean Label
- Plant-based
- Vegan | Vegetarian
- Non-allergenic | Gluten-free
- USDA Certified Organic Available
- Non-GMO Project Certified
Citri-Fi® Citrus Fiber Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Citri-Fi® citrus fiber and what is it made from?
Citri-Fi citrus fiber is an upcycled ingredient made from byproduct of the citrus juicing industry. The process, which is free from chemical modifications, opens up the fiber to create high surface area which gives its high water holding capacity and emulsification properties. The citrus fiber is a natural food ingredient derived from the fibrous parts of citrus fruits.
Is Citri-Fi® citrus fiber natural?
Yes. Citri-Fi citrus fiber is a natural, plant-based ingredient. It is derived from citrus peel and other fibrous components. The simple process used to produce Citri-Fi involves a physical process free from synthetic chemicals or solvents.
Not all citrus fibers are produced the same. Some other citrus fiber are byproduct of the pectin production that may be subjected to chemicals and/or solvents.
Is citrus fiber an allergen or gluten-free?
Citrus fiber is not considered a common food allergen. It is free from the “top 9” major allergens identified by the Food & Drug Administration in the USA. However, for food labeling, each country has their own allergen labeling requirements.
Citri-Fi citrus fiber is gluten-free and non-allergenic. Citri-Fi products do not contain any allergenic ingredients or processing aids. No allergenic products are processed or stored at the production facilities.
Is Citri-Fi® citrus fiber soluble or insoluble?
Citri-Fi citrus fiber contains both insoluble and soluble fibers in the form of native intact pectin. This natural ingredient qualifies as a dietary fiber under the FDA. The high concentration of native intact pectin gives Citri-Fi is high functionality which can be used a low levels (<1) to provide high water holding and emulsification properties. This highly efficient citrus fiber may provide cost-in-use savings.
How does citrus fiber improve food texture?
Citrus fiber improves food texture via high water-holding capacity and emulsification properties. Citri-Fi can bind up to 10 times its weight in water which provides benefits like moisture management in bakery products. This citrus fiber also can bind up to three times its weight in oil to create smooth, creamy textures in sauces, dressings, ice creams, yogurts and dairy-free cheeses. Because of the water and oil binding, Citri-Fi can also create full-fat mouthfeel in products like egg-free mayonnaise, ice creams and cream-based sauces.
Can citrus fiber replace other ingredients?
Yes. Citrus fiber can replace common food ingredients to clean up food labeling, improve the nutritional profile or reduce the cost of food products. Common ingredient replacements include:
- Egg reduction: bakery products like cakes, muffins, and cookies, dressing and sauces
- Fat/oil reduction: Baked items, dressings, sauces and ice cream
- Chemical emulsifiers: lecithin, mono- and diglycerides in breads
- Phosphates: processed meats
- Food gums (pectin, guar gum & xanthan gum): dairy products, dairy alternatives, ice cream, sauces and dressings
- Food starches: dairy products, dairy alternatives, ice cream, sauces and dressings
- Acacia gum: carbonated sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks & flavored sparkling water
Is citrus fiber stable?
Yes. Citri-Fi citrus fiber is low pH, heat and freeze/thaw stable.
How is citrus fiber labeled?
Citrus fiber labeling options include: citrus fiber, dried citrus pulp or citrus flour which resonate well in the clean label and natural markets.
However, every region has specific labeling requirements. Please check with your local regulatory agency for guidance.
Does citrus fiber qualify as dietary fiber?
Yes. Citri-Fi citrus fiber qualifies as a dietary fiber.
Does citrus fiber have an e-number?
Citrus fiber DOES NOT have an e-number.
Is citrus fiber organic?
Most citrus fiber on the market globally is not organic certified.
Fiberstar, Inc. launched Citri-Fi 400 organic citrus fiber series which is certified in both U.S. and Europe.
Citrus Fiber Benefits in Food Applications
| Food Applications | Functional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Bakery | • Egg Reduction • Improved Freshness over Time • Improved Gluten-free Products • Moisture Retention • Natural Emulsifier • Oil Reduction |
| Beverages | • Clouding Agent • Emulsification Stabilization • Gum Replacement • Thickener • Tomato Paste Extender |
| Dressings & Sauces | • Emulsification • Gum & Starch Replacement • Mouthfeel • Pulp Extension • Stabilization • Tomato Paste Extender • Thickener |
| Dairy | • Emulsification • Reduced Syneresis • Stabilization • Thickener |
| Dairy Alternatives | • Emulsification • Freeze/thaw Stability • Full Body Mouthfeel & Texture • High Process Stability • Reduced Syneresis |
| Food Applications | Functional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Frozen Foods | • Fat Reduction • Ice Crystal Reduction • Stabilization |
| Meat Substitutes | • Binding • Emulsification • Juiciness & Succulence • Meat-like Texture |
| Pet Food & Treats | • Binding • Improved Flowability • Moisture Retention • Reduced Stickiness • Strengthening • Texturizer |
| Plating | • Flowable Powders • Functionality in Final Food • Up to 30% Oil Load |
| Processed Meats | • Juiciness • Phosphate Replacement • Purge Reduction • Yield Improvement |
| Supplements & Sports Nutrition | • Adds Viscosity • Anti-sticking Coating • Emulsification • Binding • Clouding • Heat Stability • Improved Mouthfeel & Body • Improved Texture • Low pH Stability • Stabilization Capabilities • Thickener |
