BENEO at IFT 2026, booth S425: Grounded in Fiber Science, Driving What’s Next
The viral fibermaxxing wave on social media has played a crucial role in repositioning fibre as a modern, sought-after, and relevant ingredient. It has significantly increased awareness of the fibre gap — the reality that in the US, more than 90% of women and 97% of men still do not meet the recommended dietary fibre intake levels.
“Fibre isn’t just having a trendy moment; it has become one of the most in-demand nutrients. However, its health benefits are not about quantity, it’s more about balance. Only the right mix of fibre types can offer the benefits consumers are looking for. Brands built on fibre diversity can play a significant role in providing value-added foods and beverages and supporting healthier diets,” said Kyle Krause of BENEO, regional product manager for functional fibres and carbohydrates, North America, and global product manager for BENEO’s beta-glucan-rich, whole-grain barley flour.
Fibre differs in structure, functionality, and benefits. Thoughtfully blending different fibre types yields a variety of health benefits.
“Since different fibres interact with food matrices in very different ways, formulation expertise is key. Our goal is to help manufacturers seamlessly integrate fibre enrichment to achieve a meaningful nutritional boost while maintaining taste and texture,” adds Krause. BENEO is supporting manufacturers in navigating this complexity through smart combinations and science-backed functionality.
Leveraging the Fibre Wave: How Manufacturers Can Take the Lead
BENEO’s fibre toolbox offers versatile solutions, enabling brands to seize key market opportunities by leading with benefit-driven innovation:
Nourishing the gut microbiota with natural chicory root fibres
Prebiotics from chicory root (fructans) are soluble dietary fibres that reach the large intestine intact, where they are completely fermented by beneficial bacteria. They support on-pack structure/function claims such as “promotes healthy gut bacteria” or “supports the vitality of healthy gut flora” at just 0.75 g/serving. Backed by extensive human clinical data from more than 30 years of studies, these fibres support a healthy microbiome and gut as a foundation for a healthy body. Proven effects go beyond digestive health, including weight management and mood improvement.
Promoting a healthy heart and satiety with barley beta-glucans
BENEO’s Orafti® β-Fit is a wholegrain flour from barley. It delivers soluble, insoluble, fermentable, and viscous fibre all in one due to its unique matrix of beta-glucans, arabinoxylans, and cellulose. Thanks to their viscous properties, these fibres naturally thicken and delay the passage of food through the GI tract, prolonging the feeling of fullness. Brand owners can leverage powerful on-pack structure/function claims centred on enhanced satiety, natural appetite control, and energy from whole grains, in addition to FDA-approved heart health claims.
Boosting fibre, reducing sugar with chicory root or scFOS
BENEO turns a formulation challenge into a double win: Prebiotic fibre from chicory root and short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scFOS) from sugar beet enable brands to replace sugar, and in some cases fat, while simultaneously boosting dietary fibre content and lowering calories. Chicory root fibre offers an additional advantage: a proven prebiotic effect at intakes from 3g/day.
Fibre plus: Nutrient density with fibre and plant proteins
As the Fibermaxxing focus shifts from “more” to “better”, nutrient density is becoming a key priority, particularly in the context of GLP-1 use, where smaller portions increase expectations for complete nutrition. Combining fibre with other nutrients like plant-based proteins offers a smart and holistic way to deliver more nutrition per bite. Fibre and plant proteins, such as those from faba beans and rice, bring complementary benefits supporting gut health, satiety and muscle maintenance.
Attendees at the Expo in Chicago should make sure to stop by BENEO’s coffee-bar-inspired booth S425. Explore and taste how trends like fibermaxxing, nutrient density, and sugar reduction can go hand in hand with indulgence.
