Whether it’s reported in the news media, discussed by the office water cooler or written about in blogs, consumers are at no loss for information about the obesity crisis that is affecting the United States. 

People of all ages know by now that fiber is “good for you,” and that they should be consuming more of it. A new study from Tate & Lyle, Decatur, Ill., revealed that nearly 90 percent of Americans believe that their digestive health is a top priority, and that consumers are interested in buying products with a “nutritional punch” of fiber.

Alpina Foods, the U.S. arm of Colombian company Alpina, launched Renew Oat Smoothies.

Obesity continues to be a significant health issue in the United States and health-conscious consumers continue to look for functional products that promise weight management-related benefits. In their quest for wellness, consumers are learning more about the benefits of protein and fiber. In addition, some consumers are searching for what Ram Chaudhari, senior executive vice president and chief scientific officer of Schnectady, N.Y.-based Fortitech Inc. calls a “magic bullet” for weight loss and management solutions.