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Aglufiber®: Clean label, functional and smart

Searching for a game-changing ingredient that can enhance your products while promoting a circular approach? Discover Aglufiber^®, the clean, sustainable and multifunctional citrus fiber reshaping the food and beverage industry.

JRS Silvateam Ingredients S.r.l. is an Italian company specialised in producing functional citrus fiber and other natural ingredients, such as pectin, tara gum and texturising solutions. Marketed as Aglufiber^®, the citrus fiber is a plant-based, vegan ingredient obtained by upcycling partially depectinised citrus peels, a byproduct of the pectin industry. The result is a clean label solution declared as an ingredient, according to Regulation (EC) N. 1333/2008, and, thus, out of the scope of the food additive list (E-number free).

Aglufiber^® is a cream-coloured powder with a neutral taste and smell, sourced entirely from 100% citrus peels. It contains a minimum of 85% of fibers, both insoluble (cellulose and hemicellulose) and soluble (pectin), along with proteins and salts. This ingredient is stable across a wide pH range, naturally gluten-free and free from common allergens.

Citrus fiber is a source of dietary fiber, contributing to the overall fiber content of food products. It promotes improved digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels and supports weight management by promoting satiety.

With its impressive water-holding capacity and exceptional texturising and stabilisation properties, citrus fiber empowers food and beverage manufacturers to enhance their culinary creations. Its applications extend to pharma, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.

To unlock Aglufiber^®’s potential, kinetic energy is applied to activate the fiber in a water solution, enhancing its water absorption capabilities. Consequently, the more the energy applied, the higher the water binding capacity of the fiber, as well as the stability over time.

In 2022, JRS Silvateam established a state-of-the-art plant for citrus fiber production near its pectin line in Rende, southern Italy. This facility stands out for its remarkable efficiency in terms of water and energy consumption, aligning perfectly with the principles of circular economy by upcycling citrus peels into valuable citrus fiber.

Aglufiber^®, with its unique properties, serves as a multifunctional ingredient in the food and beverage industry:

1. High water holding capacity: citrus fiber can absorb and retain up to 25g of water per 1g of fiber. This property makes it an effective thickening and moisture retention agent, improving the texture, juiciness and shelf life of various products, including meat and plant-based alternatives, baked goods and sauces.
2. Emulsion stability properties: the water holding capacity of citrus fiber helps in stabilising the emulsion by preventing the coalescence of oil droplets and forming a network within the emulsion. Citrus fiber is a valuable solution when stabilising oil- or fat-based products like dressings, sauces and cream-based products.
3. Binding and gelling action: citrus fiber can bind ingredients together and form gels when mixed with water. This property enhances texture and yield in meat products and baked goods, which are the two largest industries where fiber is predominantly used, but also in dairy products, plant-based alternatives and sauces.
4. Improved stability and shelf life: the water holding and moisture retention properties of citrus fiber contribute to improve the food products stability and shelf life by preventing syneresis and reducing water activity.
5. Sugar and fat replacement: citrus fiber can partially replace sugar and fat in certain food products, offering cost savings and reduced calorie content while mimicking the mouthfeel and creaminess typically associated with sugar and fat.

In conclusion, Aglufiber^® offers a versatile, sustainable, and clean label solution for various applications in the food industry and beyond. Its exceptional properties not only enhance product quality but also align with eco- and health-conscious consumer preferences. Embrace Aglufiber^® to achieve your product development goals while making a positive impact on the planet. Our food technologists will be happy to assist you in formulating innovative products that consumers love or replacing existing ingredients, such as sugar or fat in our recipe. Contact us today to explore the endless possibilities of Aglufiber^®!

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