Cassava soluble fiber (resistant dextrin) is the first of its kind approved by Anvisa, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, for use in the food, beverage, and supplement industries.

In this context, FiberSMART® emerges as a new plant-based ingredient option for manufacturers looking to increase the fiber content of their products with formulations that combine nutritional value, convenience, and desirable sensory characteristics.

Supplied by Frootiva®, FiberSMART® is available in two versions, derived from cassava and corn, both recently approved by Anvisa. Also referred to as tapioca resistant dextrin and corn resistant dextrin, the ingredient is obtained from the starch of these raw materials and is available in both powder and syrup forms.

With more than 89% dietary fiber according to the traditional AOAC method, FiberSMART® can be used across a variety of food, beverage, and supplement categories, offering flexibility for research and development teams.

This new ingredient is particularly relevant because it combines characteristics that can facilitate industrial applications, including water solubility, low viscosity, neutral sweetness, and stability under demanding processing conditions.

In addition, FiberSMART® offers a low glycemic response and excellent gastrointestinal tolerance, important advantages for the development of products focused on health and wellness.

 

What is soluble fiber?

FiberSMART® is classified as a dietary fiber because its molecular structure contains bonds that are resistant to hydrolysis by human digestive enzymes. By definition, dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the enzymes in our digestive system. As a result, it reaches the intestine largely intact, where it can provide different beneficial effects, such as supporting normal bowel function and digestive health.

The structure of FiberSMART®, combined with its water solubility, allows it to be classified as a soluble fiber. In the food industry, this characteristic can be especially valuable in liquid formulations and products where fiber needs to be incorporated without significantly changing texture, viscosity, or flavor.

FiberSMART® is a plant-based soluble fiber that can function as a bulking agent and may also be used in certain formulations as an alternative for replacing sugars and fats. Its sweetness is considered neutral, at approximately 20% of the sweetness of sucrose, allowing it to be used without making the final product overly sweet.

For R&D professionals, this combination expands formulation possibilities by making it possible to increase fiber content without compromising important sensory characteristics.

 

FiberSMART®: a new fiber option for the industry

Frootiva®’s FiberSMART® is produced from tapioca or corn starch and is available in both powder and syrup forms. The ingredient was developed for use in foods, beverages, and supplements and can be incorporated into a wide range of product categories.

Its main characteristics include:

• More than 89% dietary fiber according to the traditional AOAC method;
• Water soluble;
• Low viscosity;
• Neutral sweetness;
• Low water activity;
• Low glycemic index, reported as GI < 3;
• Excellent gastrointestinal tolerance;
• GMO-Free;
• Gluten-Free;
• Allergen-free.

The combination of these characteristics makes the ingredient a versatile option for companies developing products with a variety of nutritional positioning strategies.

 

Low glycemic response is one of its key advantages

One of the main attributes of FiberSMART® is its low glycemic response, a particularly relevant characteristic for the development of foods, beverages, and supplements designed for consumers interested in health, wellness, and nutritional balance.

Studies conducted by GL Labs in Canada evaluated the ingredient’s effects following consumption of a 20 g serving. According to the reported results, no glycemic spike was observed after consuming this amount of FiberSMART®.

The ingredient also has a reported glycemic index below 3, further supporting its potential use in formulations developed around low glycemic response concepts.

For the food and beverage industry, this advantage can open new opportunities for product development, while always taking into account the complete formulation and any claims permitted under applicable regulations.

Gastrointestinal tolerance is another important factor when selecting a soluble fiber for industrial applications. Depending on the type of fiber and the amount used, some ingredients may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in certain consumers.

In the case of FiberSMART®, studies conducted by the Department of Molecular Medicine at Murdoch University evaluated different intake levels. The reported results indicated no adverse gastrointestinal effects with consumption of up to 50 g per serving, as well as no changes in gastrointestinal symptoms at increasing daily doses of 10 g, 30 g, and 50 g.

The study also observed improved stool consistency, a characteristic that contributes to the ingredient’s functional profile.

 

Where can soluble fiber be used?

Versatility is one of the key advantages of FiberSMART®. The ingredient can be used in a variety of food and beverage categories (*), allowing product development teams to explore different applications based on the nutritional and technological goals of each formulation.

Some potential applications include:

• Baked goods;
• Dairy and non-dairy beverages;
• Powdered beverages;
• Cereals;
• Nutrition bars;
• Confectionery products;
• Frozen desserts;
• Pasta;
• Grain-based products;
• Sauces;
• Soups;
• Snacks;
• Cookies.

(*) Request the product’s technical specification sheet for a complete list of approved categories and usage limits.

This wide range of applications allows soluble fiber to be incorporated into both traditional products and new formulations designed for consumers seeking options with a higher fiber content.

 

A new opportunity for the food and beverage industry

The introduction of FiberSMART® to the Brazilian market expands the range of options available to companies looking to enrich their formulations with dietary fiber. Its combination of plant-based origin, high fiber concentration, low glycemic response, good gastrointestinal tolerance, and application versatility creates new opportunities for innovative product development.

Its functional and technological characteristics—including water solubility, low viscosity, stability under processing conditions, and neutral sweetness—make FiberSMART® an attractive alternative for a wide range of development projects.

Its low and consistent water activity is another relevant advantage, particularly in applications where moisture control and product stability are important to formulation performance.

Frootiva® now offers this new solution to the market, connecting the industry with an ingredient developed to meet current demand for formulations that combine greater nutritional value, convenience, and technological performance.

In addition to soluble fiber, Frootiva® Co’s product portfolio also includes fruit powders, dry extracts, and vegetable powders for manufacturers looking for high-quality natural ingredients.

With ISO 9001 certification, Frootiva® reinforces its commitment to supplying ingredients that combine safety, traceability, process control, and standardization—essential factors for meeting the requirements of increasingly demanding markets.

To learn more about FiberSMART® and other products developed and marketed by Frootiva® Co, contact us at +55 11 4765-0732 or fill out the form.