BENEO surveys U.S. consumers on natural, non-GMO ingredients

NEW research conducted by BENEO and produced by Health Focus International, reveals U.S. consumers’ familiarity with fiber and its benefits.

Some 1,000 respondents took part in the survey which measured insights that link to consumer focus on eating foods made with natural and non-GMO ingredients.

Most interviewees preferred natural products. About 67% considered "high in natural fiber" as a very appealing fiber claim for food and beverage products; 47% are actively seeking natural fibers, and 45% consider non-GMO products as “better.”

Chicory root fiber

In terms of product designation, 62% of respondents picked chicory root fiber as the most natural soluble fiber. Chicory root fiber is non-GMO and a natural source of dietary fiber.

According to the survey, 42% and 3% of consumers, respectively, perceive soluble corn fiber and polydextrose as natural fibers. The results reflect actual ingredient production methods. Unlike other fibers, for example soluble corn fiber and polydextrose that are artificially or chemically made, chicory root fiber is naturally sourced and produced by a gentle hot water extraction method. Chicory root had the highest score, with 57% of the respondents not linking chicory root fiber to GMO.

Sweeteners

Consumers are mindful about the sugar content in food and drinks. About 63% of respondents said they try to avoid or are reducing sugar. Only artificial sweeteners are avoided even more. This goes hand-in-hand with the fact that consumers look for the calorie, fat and sugar content of a product before purchasing it (69%, 65% and 62%, respectively). Chicory root fibers have a natural mild sweetness and 1.5 kcal/g are highly suitable as replacement for sugar and calories in formulations.

Fiber

Consumers are highly aware that fiber is an important part of a healthy and balanced diet, and 93% responded that fiber is good for their overall health. Based on survey, 91% knew that fibers plays a role in maintaining healthy gut and in weight management; 68% said that fiber helps them feel fuller longer. Moreover, 63% maintain that fiber helps them eat less during the day.

“These results clearly show that consumers are actively looking for natural functionality in their daily diets,” said Joseph O'Neill, president and general manager of BENEO, Inc. “With chicory root fiber, BENEO offers functional fibers with nutritional, technical and health benefits that meet consumer requirements for natural ingredients. They not only support them in boosting their fiber levels but can also be beneficial in sugar and fat reduction."

More than 60% of surveyed said that breakfast cereals, cereal bars, bread and yogurt are most suitable to provide digestive health benefits.

BENEO's chicory root fibers inulin and oligofructose, which are among the best-researched prebiotic fibers worldwide, are non-GMO and can easily be incorporated into a wide variety of applications for natural fiber enrichment, while reducing the amount of sugar, fat and calories.