GPC unveils Fybrin at IFT FIRST: High-fiber resistant starch with vast reformulation capabilities

18 Jul 2022 --- Grain Processing Corporation (GPC) has introduced Fybrin, a corn-based resistant starch, low on calories, that can be used in formulations to achieve high fiber claims. Fybrin can be applied in pasta, tortillas, pizzas and even beverages.

The company unveiled its product in the US, with plans to launch internationally in the near future. FoodIngredientsFirst spoke to GPC about the launch on the show floor of the IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo in Chicago, US.

“Our company is very focused on fiber and growing into that area, just with the many health benefits of fiber, anything from gut health to calorie reduction. Fiber covers many of those health points,” says Kelly Belknap, business development manager.

“There’s just an overall increased recognition between the role that fiber plays in overall health, from anything from satiety to weight management, to immunity. With COVID-19 we’ve all been researching how to boost our immune systems.”

GPC’s Fybrin has 85% to 90% fiber and 54 calories per 100 g. In comparison, according to GPC, a typical starch would be around 400 calories.

Nine out of ten women and 97% of men do not meet the recommended intake of dietary fiber, according to the business. A similar finding than the one of Tate & Lyle that flagged that only 9% of UK adults met the daily recommended fiber intake.

90% of women and 97% of men do not meet the recommended intake of dietary fiber, according to GPC.Solution for “stealth” reformulations
GPC’s also uses its CP 100-S proprietary process to steam the chickpea to deactivate some of the ingredinet’s enzymes and beany off-notes. Belknap says the finished solution is excellent for bread or pancakes where you need a clean taste.

“The biggest attribute of this ingredient is its very low water holding capacity,” notes Belknap.

“So if you wanted to add it to a cracker or pasta, you don’t have to make a large formula adjustment by adding more water. Whereas brand-based fibers will keep taking on more water and really mess with your formulation,” she continues.

“If you want to do a stealth-type of reformulation where you just wanna tweak the nutrition a little bit, but not really call out that there’s fiber added, this is a great, great way to do that. Consumers won’t even know it’s in there.”

Prebiotic properties
As a resistant starch, Fybrin is a prebiotic or nondigestible food ingredient that aims to support good gut health.

“It is resistant to digestion,” says Belknap. “So it can travel through the stomach and small intestine. Due to its minimal calories (0.5 per g) and its very little flavor, it can really add a huge dose.” 

Once it reaches the intestine, the resistant starches are fermented and produce health-benefiting metabolites. 

Fiber is critical to maintain a healthy gut, this February, NutritionInsight spoke with fiber experts on how the space is evolving and what the future holds. 

Fiber-rich mac and cheese
GPC presented a lineup of products at the Chicago trade show using its proprietary starch.

The company showcased a mac and cheese dish with a minimum of 85% fiber and 25% fewer calories. 

GPC also featured crackers containing only, a few calories – under 100 g per serving – with 8 g of fiber.GPC works directly with farmers within a hundred-mile radius of its facility, which has helped them avoid supply chain trouble.

Formulated for Keto diets, samples of low-carb brownie pop muffins were offered with Fybrin and Inscosity, a modified food starch. 

“Two out of three consumers report that they have bought a supplement, beverage or packaged food item specifically because it was a good source of fiber,” according to GPC.

Easy supply chain
GPC works directly with farmers within a hundred-mile radius of its facility, which has helped them avoid supply chain trouble.

“At GPC, we source all of our grain locally, so we don’t have to rely on imports coming in from across the seas. We’ve been very fortunate that we haven’t had any supply chain issues.”

Belknap adds that there has not been many labor shortages in the US region of the Midwest, where GPC is based. Companies this year have been avoiding long supply chains, which can leave their ingredients marooned through uncertain sea lines.

France-headquartered Ecotone, for instance, chose Italy for its new plant due to its closeness to organic raw materials to manufacture its products, avoiding long supply chains in the current challenging logistics environment.

Adding to the easy supply chain, GPC uses every part of the corn for its product. “There is not a single piece that goes to the landfill,” says Belknap. This ultimately helps the company maximize the use of its ingredients and keep environmental emissions low.

By Marc Cervera with additional reporting from Gaynor Selby at IFT FIRST in Chicago