KANSAS CITY — Functional ingredients, namely soluble prebiotic fibers, are gaining prominence in the soft drink category. Ingredients such as inulin and soluble corn fiber offer digestive benefits, while formulators will need to prevent sedimentation and keep the drinks pH and heat stable.
PepsiCo, Inc., Purchase, NY, is acquiring prebiotic soft drink brand Poppi, and the Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, has launched Simply Pop under its Simply brand. Poppi contains organic agave inulin to provide 2 grams of fiber per 12-oz can. Simply Pop contains soluble corn fiber to offer 6 grams of fiber in a 12-oz can. Olipop, another functional soft drink, contains cassava root fiber, chicory root inulin and Jerusalem artichoke inulin to contain 9 grams of fiber per 12-oz can.
Beneo offers prebiotic chicory root fibers, inulin and oligofructose, said Kyle Krause, regional product manager, functional fibers and carbohydrates, North America for Beneo, which has an office in Parsippany, NJ.
“These prebiotics provide both nutritional and technical benefits, with their physiological benefits supported by numerous human clinical trials,” he said. “They have been used in applications such as dairy and sports drinks, juices, shakes, soft drinks and more.”
Chicory root fiber supports digestive health by feeding gut microbiota that beneficial bacteria can grow, he said. A meta-analysis showed chicory root fiber provides prebiotic benefits at 3 grams per day.
Shelf life and efficacy
“Many factors should be considered when working with prebiotic fibers in drinks,” Krause said. “Every application has its own requirements. Parameters like storage, shelf-life and other nutritional requirements to ensure proper prebiotic dosage as well as efficacy (that the prebiotic delivers the benefit it is supposed to) must all be taken into account when it comes to formulations.”
Vaughn DuBow, senior director, product portfolio marketing, health and wellness for Chicago-based ADM, said, “When incorporating prebiotic fiber into soft drinks or carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), heat and pH stability should be top of mind. It is also important to consider factors like degradation, sedimentation and flocculation, especially over a product’s shelf life.”
ADM/Matsutani LLC’s Fibersol is a soluble dietary fiber derived from corn. The company is a joint venture between ADM and Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. A digestion-resistant maltodextrin, Fibersol, supported by research, helps maintain intestinal regularity, attenuate post-meal blood glucose and insulin levels, and retain healthy post-meal serum triglycerides, according to the company.
“Fibersol can resist tough beverage formulation environments, such as high heat, helping in the creation of tailored, health-forward soft drinks, sparkling waters and more,” DuBow said. “Fibersol offers excellent clarity and stability against heat, acid, shear, freeze and thaw, helping beverage makers overcome these formulation hurdles. This ensures that CSDs can maintain a pleasant mouthfeel and appearance while remaining stable throughout a product’s shelf life.”
At a dosage of 3.75 grams per serving, Fibersol may help nourish the intestinal flora and support a healthy intestinal tract environment, according to the company.
A range of formats
“The acidic pH of soft drinks can pose challenges for the functionality of prebiotic fibers,” said Janae Kuc, manager, category marketing, beverages and nutrition, texture and healthful solutions, United States and Canada for Ingredion, Inc., Westchester, Ill. “Prebiotic fibers that can operate in acidic environments often require higher dosages to achieve their intended benefits or to enable specific claims.
“Given the wide range of functional beverage formats, products with a more neutral pH may be better suited to meet consumer needs and achieve desired claims. For instance, in ready-to-mix (RTM) beverage formats, prebiotic fibers such as short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) can support health benefits at low amounts per serving, making it an ideal option to include.”
Ingredion offers pea protein for use in applications such as ready-to-mix beverages.
| Photo: ©GRINCHH – STOCK.ADOBE.COMShort-chain FOS also support health claims for mineral absorption and bone health, she said, and acacia fiber supports metabolic health.
“When formulating a functional beverage, it is crucial to identify the specific consumer need state,” Kuc said. “In RTM formats, protein and fiber are key attributes that are often considered to address these needs states.”
Functional beverages may encompass a range of formats, including functional waters and soft drinks, RTD coffee, tea, energy drinks, sports drinks and nutritional drinks, she said. At SupplySide West in Las Vegas last October, Ingredion launched a pea protein for RTM beverages with higher protein levels.
“The Ingredion pea protein offers faster dispersibility in solution to address common mouthfeel issues by ensuring a smooth texture without grittiness,” Kuc said. “It reduces sedimentation and provides a neutral taste profile, making formulation easier and more consistent.”
