Advancements in soluble fibers have given beverage developers a whole new set of tools for delivering products that help to fill the fiber gap. Although even the savviest of consumers might not know the difference between inulin and oligofructose, they are beginning to explore the growing number of fiber-rich options available outside of the bread and snack bar categories.
A report by Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows that between 2009 and 2011, 92 beverage products launched in the United States that touted a “high or added fiber” claim. The subcategory of meal replacement beverages remained the leader in launches and overall growth throughout all subcategories, with 30 new launches in 2011 alone.