Citrus fiber: CP Kelco targets clean label applications with next-gen ingredient

01 May 2019 --- CP Kelco is to introduce a new product line, NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber. With the continued growth in consumer demand for clean label products, NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber addresses the need for nature-based, recognizable ingredients in a variety of food applications. Derived from intact citrus peels, this next-generation citrus fiber is marketed as “not only functional but also close to nature.”

“Our patented process allows us to convert citrus peels into a citrus fiber,” Michele Cacdac-Jones, Director, Brand & Marketing Communications at CP Kelco, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. “The product is composed of both soluble and insoluble fibers naturally present in the peels.”

NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber offers gelling, thickening, stabilizing and water-binding capabilities, and may be used to replace starch, eggs or oil in many recipes.She notes that NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber will be manufactured from intact citrus peels sourced in Brazil, but production volumes are not being disclosed. “We intend to market NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber globally in early 2020. Through the end of 2019, customers may obtain samples under an executed material transfer agreement (MTA),” she notes.

In recent years, functional fibers have risen in popularity as researchers uncover health benefits and manufacturers seek to enrich their products with these well-known ingredients. Key applications include fruit-flavored drinks, drinking yogurts, dressings, condiments, sauces, bakery, meats and soups. NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber offers gelling, thickening, stabilizing and water-binding capabilities, and may be used to replace starch, eggs or oil in many recipes.

“With clean label foods and beverages becoming the new norm, consumers are seeking innovative products from our customers to address these needs,” says Didier Viala, President at CP Kelco. 

“We are happy to support this shift by adding this exciting, nature-based ingredient to our sustainably sourced and produced portfolio. We look forward to meeting with formulators and exploring a range of applications for our NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber,” he adds.

The ingredient will compete with Fiberstar, Inc., whose largest brand, Citri-Fi, is a natural, highly functional fiber produced sustainably from citrus fruit using a physical patented process. 

In an article in the April/May issue of The World of Food Ingredients, author Gaynor Selby notes how calls for innovative hydrocolloid solutions are projected to increase due to their multi-functionality and an uptick in demand for convenience foods. Gellan gum is mentioned as a versatile ingredient that provides suspension of nutrients and other ingredients in beverages. 

CP Kelco’s KELCOGEL Gellan Gum, made through fermentation by bacteria found in nature, can create functionality with a single ingredient instead of a blend. This offers developers a simplified ingredient statement.

Wanda Jurlina, Group Technical Services Manager at CP Kelco, notes that suspension without affecting mouthfeel has been the holy grail of the beverage industry. KELCOGEL Gellan Gum offers beverage formulators an opportunity to suspend with limited viscosity in a wide range of products. 

“Gellan gum can suspend cocoa in dairy-based beverages, calcium in plant-based beverages, or fruit pulp in long shelf-life yogurt. Its flexibility extends to alcohol-based drinks, creating unique consumer impact,” she notes.

CP Kelco also offers GENU Pectin BETA, a clean label allergen-free emulsifier for a wide range of formulations, including beverage emulsions and fruit-based products.

Jurlina believes that growth opportunities in the beverage arena are infinite, fueled by consumer experimentation and market fragmentation, new tastes and flavors, reduced sugar and natural refreshment demands. “The snacking trend is also a significant growth driver to innovate. Consumers are looking for convenience – and beverages are the perfect category to develop tasty and healthy offerings, from on-the-go protein waters to refreshing alcohol-free drinks and long shelf-life drinking yogurts,” she notes

Last March, CP Kelco launched a new global brand strategy and redesigned website as part of the company’s continued focus on “high-quality, nature-based ingredients, innovation and customer collaboration.” The new brand is inspired by the company’s brand essence: “Unlocking Nature-Powered Success.”

By Robin Wyers