WHAT’S NEW? INTRODUCING FIBERFEEL OP – NATURAL FIBER WITH FUNCTIONAL BENEFITS
Growing awareness around gut health is increasingly influencing how consumers choose their food and beverage products. With more people recognising the link between gut health and broader wellness factors, such as weight management, immunity, mental clarity, and metabolic health, there is a clear shift toward products that deliver digestive support as part of everyday consumption.
This rising demand is driving interest in functional beverages enriched with fiber, particularly in fruit-based drinks where consumers already expect natural, wholesome ingredients. Fiber not only supports digestive wellness but also helps position products within the clean-label and better-for-you space, two attributes that continue to shape purchase decisions across both mainstream and premium categories.
For manufacturers, this represents a high-growth opportunity to create gut-friendly beverage solutions that address health-conscious consumer needs while maintaining flavour, texture, and shelf stability.
(Source5: Mintel GNPD)
Beverages are currently the fastest-growing application in the fiber ingredient category, with manufacturers now incorporating fiber into juices, smoothies, and functional waters. According to Innova Market Insights (2023), 73% of global consumers are more likely to purchase products made with recognizable, natural ingredients. In the Middle East, 59% of consumers associate fiber intake with digestive health, while 47% link it to weight management. Functional juice launches featuring fiber claims also rose by 28% globally between 2020 and 2023.(5)
Adding to this momentum, government reformulation initiatives across the GCC and wider MENA region are pushing the industry to reduce added sugars and artificial ingredients, creating further demand for natural functional fibers that enhance both texture and nutritional value.
In response to these trends, FSL’s J&B Division, in partnership with Evera, introduces FiberFeel OP, a natural fiber ingredient that supports sugar reduction, calorie control and clean-label reformulation.
What is FiberFeel OP?
FiberFeel OP is a 100% natural dietary fiber derived from the finest part of the orange fruit. It offers a dual function:
- Acts as a clean-label texturizer
- Enriches products with natural citrus fiber
With fresh citrus notes and a smooth mouthfeel, FiberFeel OP adds both nutritional value and sensory appeal, making it a standout solution for brands seeking to innovate naturally.
Applications in Beverages:
FiberFeel OP is especially well-suited for juice-based and functional drinks. It provides:
• Enhanced texture and body: Adds a fuller, more consistent mouthfeel
• Improved flavour perception: Balances taste through improved viscosity and citrus notes
• Fiber enrichment: Supports “source of fiber” or “high-fiber” positioning
Benefits:
- 100% Natural Origin: Derived from oranges, with no artificial components
- Clean Label Declaration: Can be labelled as natural fiber or citrus fiber, depending on regulatory needs
- Multi-Functional: Works as both a texturizing agent and a nutritional fiber source
- High Fiber, Low Calorie: Offers more fiber with half the calories of banana and mango purées, making it an ideal choice for health-focused beverage formulations
- Vegan & Consumer-Friendly: Appeals to the growing demand for plant-based, non-GMO and health-forward formulations
While the cost of FiberFeel OP may be slightly higher than conventional texturizers, its clean-label credentials, fiber content and multi-functional properties reduce the need for additional stabilizers, offering cost efficiency and added value in the final product.
FiberFeel OP is part of FSL J&B Ingredients’ expanding portfolio of clean-label, functional ingredients that meet evolving consumer demands for naturalness, digestive wellness and premium beverage experiences.
Interested in working with FiberFeel OP? Reach out to our team at J&B@foodspecialities.com to discover how this natural fiber can enhance your next beverage innovation.
