Case Study

Ingredient: Chicory Root Fiber (Inulin)
Application: Protein Balls

Challenge

Help a clean label snack brand find a functional fiber source for their two protein ball SKUs.

Process

Through conversation with the company’s Purchasing Manager, our Account Manager discovered that they were currently using Agave and Jerusalem Artichoke fiber for their protein ball application but actually preferred chicory root fiber, also known as inulin. They were unable to find a source due to supply issues.

Inulin is a food ingredient naturally present in many fruits and vegetables, but in chicory root specifically, there is a very high concentration. Inulin is a soluble fiber, which means it is digested in the large intestine vs the stomach. It’s a 1:1 replacement for other less label friendly fibers, it’s a bulking agent with little sugar content, and it works very well as a sugar alternative. Lastly, it adds body, improves mouthfeel, provides creamy texture, increases moistness and replaces fat in a range of applications (dairy, beverage, bakery).

Our supply of Cosucra’s Fibrulose L90 liquid chicory root fiber was solid, so we provided a sample for testing.

Solution

After test trials, the customer found that they preferred the flavor of the
protein balls when using Fibrulose L90. Due to our stability with supply chain for this ingredient, were able to provide the quantity they were looking for right away while also forecasting to ensure we could provide consistently for their future needs.

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