The study, conducted by Prof Tamàs Decsi, University of Pécs, Department of Paediatrics, Clinical Center of the University of Pécs, Medical School in Hungary, is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth investigation into the effect of prebiotic chicory root fiber supplementation on the gut microbiota composition of children aged 3 to 6 years, including those undertaking antibiotic treatment. 

To date, no organic inulin from chicory is available. With the latest ongoing developments, BENEO will be able to offer inulin derived from chicory root fiber at a reasonable and competitive price premium compared to organic inulin from other sources.

The root of the chicory plant is the natural source of the inulin and oligofructose ingredients that Sensus produces. 

The announcement follows a joint citizen petition requesting the addition of chicory root fiber to the list of dietary fibers accepted in the US as well as a comprehensive response to the FDAs scientific review of inulin-type-fructans and data request. In 2015, the FDA issued new Nutrition Facts labeling regulations for food and supplements to be implemented by January 1st, 2020. In the new regulation, dietary fibers are defined as naturally occurring fibers that are intrinsic and intact in plants, or as isolated or synthetic fibers that have demonstrated a beneficial physiological effect.

The decision was made following an extensive review by the FDA’s Nutrition Science Review team into a wide range of non-digestible carbohydrates. As a result, chicory root fibers inulin and oligofructose—natural non-digestible carbohydrates from chicory root—have a demonstrated health benefit and have been found to be in compliance with the dietary fiber definition, as outlined in the nutrition labelling regulations. 

BENEO, one of the leading manufacturers of functional ingredients, had two reasons to celebrate at this year’s recent Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany. Besides marking a 10-year anniversary at the show, BENEO also launched a new on-pack logo to further support the promotion of digestive health and wellness achievable through its prebiotic chicory root fibers. 

Sensus entered into an agreement to market organic inulin, sourced from agave, under its Frutafit® line of products. Frutafit® OAI is certified USDA organic and will help meet demand in the growing organic market.

Fiber-enriched processed foods promise a healthier version of favorite snacks, but do not expect them to keep hunger at bay.

Consumers are more sophisticated than ever in their ingredient knowledge, and Cargill feels the industry must respond “by providing beverages made with high-quality products that deliver on promises.”

At the Anuga food and beverage expo in Cologne, Germany, more than 6,500 food and beverage exhibitors representing 100 countries “spread” throughout the 10 specialized trade show halls (Bread & Bakery, Hot Beverages, Chilled & Fresh Foods, Dairy, Drinks, Fine Food, Foodservice, Frozen Food, Meat, Organic and RetailTec).