While protein has nabbed headlines recently, high-fiber products are quietly gaining traction amongst an increasingly health-conscious consumer base. Adding fiber to food and beverage offerings addresses a pervasive shortage in the Western diet and provides a clear path toward balanced nutrition. As fiber products proliferate, manufacturers are formulating to account for different types of fibers from various sources; here’s your chance to bulk up on your knowledge of all-things fiber.
What Is Fiber Made Of?
Dietary fiber is made of plant-based materials that are harder for the body to break down during the digestive process. The two most common types of fiber are soluble and insoluble fiber. Both forms are naturally occurring in most fruits and vegetables as chains of carbohydrates.
What Is Insoluble Fiber?
As the name suggests, insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. This characteristic is a boon to digestive health, supporting regular bowel movements, enhancing the healthy gut microbiome, and reducing food transit time through the digestive system. Studies show a diet rich in insoluble fiber may lower the risk of colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and other diseases.
The best natural sources of insoluble fiber include broccoli, cauliflower, apples, bananas, and many whole grains.
What Are Soluble Fibers?
Soluble fibers partially dissolve in water, resulting in a viscous, gel-like substance that typically slows digestion, prevents constipation, and provides a feeling of satiety, promoting weight management. There is also substantial evidence that a diet with adequate soluble fiber intake helps lower cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The best sources of soluble fiber include lentils, peas, carrots, and psyllium husk, a common ingredient in many functional fiber supplements.
Soluble vs. Insoluble Fiber
| Feature | Soluble Fiber | Insoluble Fiber |
| Solubility in Water | Dissolves in water, forming a viscous gel or colloidal dispersion. | Does not dissolve in water, remaining largely intact. |
| Viscosity | High (forms a thick gel). Key for texture modification. | Low (non-viscous). |
| Fermentability | Highly fermentable by gut microbiota (prebiotic effect). | Poorly to minimally fermentable. |
| Mechanism of Action | Slows gastric emptying and transit time, binds bile acids/cholesterol. | Adds bulk to stool and accelerates intestinal transit. |
| Physiological Effects | May lower LDL cholesterol, help stabilize blood glucose, and support gut health via Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) production. | Promotes bowel regularity and prevents constipation (laxative effect). |
| Functional Applications | Thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, gelling agents, fat/sugar replacers (e.g., in beverages, sauces, dairy alternatives). | Bulking agents, anti-caking (e.g., in whole grain products, cereals, bread). |
| Examples (Ingredients) | Inulin, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Pectin, Gums (e.g., Guar, Xanthan), Oat Beta-Glucans, Psyllium. | Cellulose, Hemicellulose, Lignin (e.g., from wheat bran, fruit/vegetable peels, nuts). |
Not Enough of a Good Thing
The difference between soluble fiber and insoluble fiber is well understood by public health officials and food manufacturers, but both forms of fiber share a common thread: consumers aren’t getting enough of either. Only about 5% of US adults and children regularly meet their daily fiber requirements.
Why Fiber Is Getting Trendy
Protein has become the latest hyper-popular macronutrient, making its way into a wide range of consumer packaged goods over the past few years. Still, fiber offers a significant opportunity for brands to address a clear and worrisome nutritional need with new food and beverage products and reformulated favorites.
Fueled initially by “Fibermaxxing” on TikTok, more consumers are incorporating high-fiber additives into their meals and snacks. Today’s busy lifestyle makes it challenging to rely on natural sources of insoluble and soluble fiber, which is why snack and convenience food products are ideal categories for fiber enhancement.
To drive fiber further into the consumer conscience, brands need to leverage messaging and market fit and choose in-demand forms of fiber.
Tell the fiber story: Put the many health benefits front and center, celebrating fiber’s proven track record of reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and supporting digestive health. (It’s a message probiotics have certainly gotten right.)
Focus on the right categories: On-the-go breakfast and snack products are a ready-made fit for fiber, but careful reformulation is key. Tilley Distribution’s technical team can help accelerate the reformulation process or develop your next line extension.
Add to fiber’s appeal: Fiber is commonly associated with older adults and digestive issues, not delightful flavor experiences. Manufacturers should trace the origins of plant-based fiber additives, noting the source ingredients whenever possible. Citrus fiber food additives, usually derived from the pulp and peel of oranges, limes, and lemons, are especially appealing because of the natural link to flavor and sensorial experiences.
Where You’ll Find Fiber Added to Foods
The rise of fiber is jumping from grocery aisle to grocery aisle, fueling the steady growth of a $14 billion market worldwide.
- Bakey products: Fiber improves texture, reduces oil content, and adds nutritional value to many baked goods.
- Dairy: Animal products contain no soluble or insoluble fibers, which is why dairy-based beverages are another ideal application for fiber additives.
- Dressings and sauces: Fiber acts as an emulsifier and thickener in many dressing and sauce applications.
- Meat alternatives: Fiber additives provide texture and help bind ingredients in plant-based meat.
The Future of Fiber Is Here
There’s a world of opportunities in every fiber molecule, and Tilley Distribution is ready to help unlock its potential. Offering a range of value-added services and ready access to world-class suppliers, Tilley is an invaluable resource and committed partner for food and beverage manufacturers. Discover what’s possible with Tilley; contact us to speak with a representative today.
