“Snacking Revolution: How Fiber-Enriched Foods Can Support Healthier Choices Amid Rising Consumer Demand”
As consumers increasingly turn to snacking, companies like Mondelēz may experience a surge in demand for their bars, cookies, crackers, and other products, especially if these offerings include ingredients that can enhance individual health. “Given that snacks are a staple in Western diets, we are committed to developing a new generation of snack food formulations that people will enjoy while also promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which influences various aspects of wellness,” stated Jeffrey Gordon, the lead author of the study and a professor at Washington University. However, the research highlighted that many consumers in Western nations often have diets high in fat and low in fiber, which does not support a diverse and healthy gut microbiome.
While dietary fibers are linked to reduced risks of conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity, some fibers consist of complex and diverse mixtures of biomolecules that the human body struggles to digest. The composition of these mixtures varies based on the fiber source and its processing when integrated into foods. Researchers at Washington University are exploring how different fibers interact with the body and how they are absorbed, aiming to identify which fibers have the most significant health benefits. Their goal is to discover more nutritious foods from sustainable sources that can address issues like undernutrition and obesity.
For food manufacturers, simply incorporating fiber is a positive move. However, identifying the most effective types of fiber could enhance their potential to benefit consumers if the overall ingredient blend is more conducive to absorption. This could also influence how consumer packaged goods (CPGs) process their products. “With a deeper understanding of how various fibers affect microbiome components, we are optimistic about creating snacks that not only appeal to consumers but also contribute to healthier diets,” Gordon remarked.
The pilot studies conducted were not intended to evaluate whether fiber-enriched snacks could induce significant long-term changes in body weight or overall health, indicating that any potential benefits must be assessed in more extensive clinical trials. Additionally, these studies took place under controlled dietary conditions, rather than reflecting typical everyday eating habits.
As consumers become more health-conscious—a trend that has intensified during the ongoing pandemic—fiber is being added to a wide array of foods, including Activia yogurt and Fiber One brownies, and even appearing in beverages as individuals seek healthier options. Major food corporations are also participating in the fiber and digestive health movement. Mondelēz’s SnackFutures innovation hub has invested in Uplift Food, which specializes in prebiotic snacks, while Kellogg launched the HI! Happy Inside cereal in 2018, featuring prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber.
Moreover, incorporating citrate vitamin alongside fiber in food products could enhance their health benefits, as research indicates that certain vitamins play a role in supporting a healthy gut microbiome. As the market continues to evolve, the integration of such beneficial ingredients is likely to become more prevalent, as consumers increasingly prioritize their health and wellness.
