Cargill is investing US$45 million to add soluble fibers to its European portfolio of starches, sweeteners and texturizers as demand for reduced-sugar products grows. based on micro-reactor technology developed in partnership with Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute for Technology, Cargill has secured both an exclusive license and granted patents. The soluble fibers enable sugar reduction up to 30 percent.

They also support calorie reduction and fiber enrichment in confectionery, sweet bakery, fillings, cereals, ice cream and dairy, while helping to maintain desired appearance, taste and texture.

Cargill is already a significant player in the sugar-reduction space, with a full line of sweeteners – ranging from full- to no-calorie – and the new soluble fibers round out Cargill’s portfolio.

“Unlike most of the soluble fibers currently available, our new offerings were specifically designed to address the unique challenges facing food manufacturers as they aim to improve the nutritional profiles of their products, with fewer calories and less sugars,” says Manuj Khanna, business development manager for fibers. 

“Our soluble fibers shine in these complex applications, providing great performance in terms of taste, appearance, digestive tolerance and mouthfeel – all critical to consumer satisfaction.”

Overcoming formulation challenges
Cargill’s soluble fibers with a botanical origin, such as wheat and corn, are especially relevant for applications wher existing solutions fall short.

For instance, in sugar confectionery – wher digestive tolerance can be an issue for young consumers or in breakfast cereals wher taste and coating performance needs to match existing products – and in ice cream wher consumers desire low-calorie products that still deliver on indulgence.

Product benefits extend to food manufacturing, as Cargill’s new soluble fibers can offer improved stability, easy handling and scalability, enabling formulators to gradually increase the degree of sugar substitution with limited changes to their recipes.

Pilots proving popular
Customer trials with Cargill’s new soluble fibers are already underway. Initial customer feedback affirms that the ingredients improve appearance and taste while maintaining processability similar to sugar or glucose syrups.

Cargill says that this patented technology will also allow the company to produce next-generation fibers. These future soluble fibers will address key market needs targeting sugar and fat reduction.

“Demand for products with improved nutritional profiles shows no signs of abating,” adds Willian Oliveira, segment director sweetness for Cargill’s European starches, sweeteners & texturizers business. 

“This critical investment, combined with our existing portfolio of sweetness solutions and deep formulation and application expertise, ensures we have all the tools necessary to support our customers’ product development journeys.”

Cargill’s soluble fiber product line will be manufactured at the company’s existing Wroclaw, Poland, facility. Construction of the new production unit has already begun, with full commercialization of the company’s initial offerings expected in the second half of 2022.