Sensus Chicory Root Fiber: Verified Natural by ISO Standards
August 26, 2024Our full range of Frutafit® chicory inulin and Frutalose® oligofructose products verifies as natural according to the ISO 19657:2017 guidelines. This verification marks a notable achievement, as chicory root fiber was the first dietary fiber to receive this recognition.
The ISO 19657:2017 standard sets stringent criteria for food ingredients to be classified as natural. It ensures that the ingredients are derived from natural sources and processed in a way that maintains their natural properties. Sensus’ chicory root fiber, which includes inulin and oligofructose, meets these criteria, highlighting its natural presents in the chicory root.
Natural, soluble dietary fiber
Chicory root fiber is extracted from the roots of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus). This process involves using hot water to extract inulin and oligofructose, ensuring that no chemical solvents are used. The result is a natural, soluble dietary fiber that offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestive health.
Sensus sources its chicory roots from dedicated farmers locally (in Belgium and the Netherlands). The chicory plants are grown with minimal nutrient requirements and little to no irrigation, making them an environmentally sustainable crop. The harvested roots are then processed at Sensus’ facilities in the Netherlands, where the inulin and oligofructose are extracted and refined.
Clean label consumer demand
Research from Sensus confirms the trend that consumers favor ingredients that are natural and clearly labeled, earning their trust. Around 60% of consumers in both Europe and the US actively seek out products with natural ingredients. In Europe, half of the buyers search for naturally occurring ingredients, while 'natural' is a key factor for 49% of Europeans and 45% of Americans when choosing foods.
These distinctive soluble fibers align seamlessly with current clean label consumer trends, offering food and beverage producers the opportunity to incorporate them into a varied range of applications.
Benchmark for natural food ingredients
The natural verification of Sensus’ chicory root fiber by ISO is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability. It provides consumers with the assurance that they are consuming a product that is not only beneficial to their health but also produced in an environmentally responsible manner.
In conclusion, the ISO verification of Sensus’ chicory root fiber underscores its natural origin and the rigorous standards it meets. This achievement sets a benchmark in the food industry, paving the way for more natural and sustainable food ingredients.