Tate & Lyle Predict Consumers Want the Nutrition Content of Fiber in Their Favorite Foods and Beverages

Feb 27 2012 --- Food and beverage manufacturers can pack the nutritional benefits of a prebiotic fiber in their products, such as hot and cold cereals, meal replacement beverages and fruit juices a new study from Tate & Lyle revealed.

The study, conducted by third-party research firm Illuminas in 2011, found that despite the nearly 90 percent of Americans who believe digestive health is a top health priority, half believe they need more fiber in their diets. To ensure they get dietary fiber in their diets, these same consumers are interested in buying products with added fiber.

 

With fiber associated with a variety of health and wellness benefits, it’s no surprise that 9 out of 10 parents believe fiber is an important nutrient to include in their children’s diets. More than 85 percent of parents believe that fiber is important for their own diets as well. 

 

“As a parent, I definitely understand other parents’ desire to feed their children healthy, nutrient-rich diets,” says Nick Fosteras, North America General Manager, Specialty Food Ingredients, Tate & Lyle. “This is critically important for Tate & Lyle as we collaborate with food and beverage manufacturers to create kid-friendly, fiber-rich products that parents feel comfortable feeding their children to help them meet the daily fiber requirements while maintaining good digestive health.”

 

Earlier this year, Tate & Lyle developed a Berry and Acai-flavored water prototype, an ideal beverage prototype for children. The prototype is made with Promitor Soluble Corn Fiber 85, a prebiotic fiber that has less than 2 percent sugar per gram and helps support good digestive health, a fiber benefit that 10 out of 10 consumers believe is a credible claim. The beverage prototype contains a good source of fiber (at least 3 grams of fiber per serving) in a no-sugar-added formulation.

 

“The Berry and Acai-flavored water prototype is ideal for kids,” says Priscilla Samuel, PhD., Director, Nutrition Health & Wellness, Tate & Lyle. “It includes Promitor Soluble Corn Fiber 85 which adds a good source of fiber.

 

“And, because it contains fiber and is a low calorie, no sugar added formulation it’s a perfect choice for both children and adults.”

 

In 2010, at the request of First Lady Michelle Obama, the U.S. food industry developed and launched Nutrition Keys, a voluntary front of package labeling system that helps busy consumers make informed choices about the foods and beverages they purchase for themselves and their families.

 

As consumers become more sophisticated, they are actively seeking opportunities to take charge of their health. This includes regularly reading front-of-package nutritional claims which can significantly influence purchasing decisions. The company’s most recent study found that more than 50 percent of consumers always or usually read ingredient labels and 3 out of 10 consumers are looking specifically for fiber content.

 

“In our consumer research we’ve consistently found that consumers read labels for fiber content in an effort to add more fiber to their diets,” says David Lewis, Director, Health and Wellness, Tate & Lyle. “A fantastic opportunity exists for food and beverage processors to add a well-tolerated fiber like PROMITOR Dietary Fiber to their products and spotlight it on the label, especially with the Nutrition Keys initiative gaining momentum.”

 

Designed as a resource for marketers, food scientists and nutrition scientists, the new Promitor Dietary Fiber website (www.promitorfiber.com) features the latest fiber news, consumer insights, applications and case studies.

 

With health and wellness top of mind for consumers and food and beverage manufacturers, the new website also features a section dedicated to peer-reviewed nutrition studies using Promitor Soluble Corn Fiber. The studies highlight the physiological benefits of Promitor Soluble Corn Fiber, including how Promitor Soluble Corn Fiber promotes good digestive health and is well tolerated, making it an ideal prebiotic fiber for formulations.

 

Launched throughout the Americas, the new website is available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.