Looking to expand its reach in the global fiber and cardiometabolic health markets, Beneo unveils Orafti β-Fit, an affordable clean label nutritional ingredient made from whole grain barley flour. The functional fiber has also been shown to aid in blood sugar management and can help producers meet the rising consumer demand for plant-based, sustainable and healthier food choices.

According to Innova Market Insights, the use of fiber fortification claims in F&B launches is increasing globally, with a 4% annual growth when comparing 2017 to 2018 and 2021 to 2022 launches (CAGR). Moreover, one of the top positionings of global product launches tracked with fiber fortification claims from 2021 to 2022 included clean label and natural claims at 27%.

“A health-supporting diet in general is high on the agenda for more and more consumers and in line with this trend, interest in food and drinks that are known to boost health have increased significantly in the overall population,” says Eric Neven, Beneo’s commercial managing director of functional fibers. Even when they are not suffering specific health problems, 7 in 10 (69%) consumers across the globe are interested in products that promote heart health.”

He also notes that a majority of worldwide customers link their heart health with their overall health. 

“As a result, functional ingredients such as barley beta-glucans, with proven health benefits and approved health claims, offer food manufacturers an easy way to create appealing products with convincing front-of-pack communication and a convenient way for consumers to choose nutritional products that positively impact heart health.”

A turnkey solution
Additionally, Neven explains that beta-glucans are the only soluble functional fibers with approved health claims in the US and Europe for both heart health and blood sugar management, and adds to its current portfolio of sugar-reducing and cardiovascular health-supporting fibers.

The approvals come from authoritative bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority, the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada and having health claims in hand means that manufacturers can readily add them to their front-of-pack labels, allowing easy communication between customers and consumers.

“Beta-glucans from barley contribute to blood sugar management and cardiovascular health,” says Neven. “They lower the blood glucose response and, in both short and long-term, the blood cholesterol levels, which are linked to reduced risk for coronary heart disease. These health effects of cereal beta-glucans have been shown in more than 120 scientific studies and have been recognized with the approval of corresponding health claims.”

“In the EU, for example, this claim is possible if conditions of use are fulfilled: ‘Barley beta-glucan has been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease.’”

Moreover, Neven reveals that Orafti β-Fit allows for heart health and fiber enrichment claims in a variety of applications and in a cost-effective way. 

“Beneo has successfully developed recipes on baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, bread and biscuits, pasta and cereals, as well as meal replacements. Thanks to its neutral taste and color, it’s easy to work with and brings additional benefits of improving texture and extending shelf life. It can also positively impact texture by increasing viscosity in dairy alternatives.”

Science-backed benefits
Beneo highlights the ingredient’s proven health benefits, noting that consumers are increasingly aware of the long- and short-term effects of healthy diets and are showing a growing interest in heart-healthy F&B products, even when they are not suffering from cardiovascular issues.

Cereal beta-glucans, specifically those derived from barley, have been the subject of numerous human intervention studies that have shown beta-glucans from barley can effectively reduce the blood glucose response and lower blood cholesterol levels, contributing to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

“The health benefits of Orafti β-Fit are attributable to the 20% barley beta-glucan fraction in the wholegrain flour,” Neven underscores. “Beta-glucans are soluble and viscous fibers that are fully fermentable. When they are consumed together with food, they form a viscous gel-like structure and this creates a physical barrier for the absorption of glucose, but also bile acids.” 

“This leads to the delayed uptake of glucose and bile acids, thereby reducing blood cholesterol. As cholesterol is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, the reduction in blood cholesterol levels means a reduced risk for coronary heart disease. The beneficial effect is already obtained and can be claimed on pack with a daily intake of 3 g barley beta-glucans.”

Affordable and sustainable
Neven further highlights that, along with the scientific backing, Orafti β-Fit also provides a more affordable and sustainable solution to meet the needs of both customers and consumers.

“Considering the production process, the new ingredient scores high with its sustainability credentials as it is produced with the use of the entire kernel, so there is no waste in production and a 100% valorization of raw material, with no water resources needed,” Neven concludes. 

“Last but not least, having vast experience when it comes to application technology, especially in the field of fibers, like chicory root fibers, customers can rely on comprehensive support when it comes to product development.”