Summary
FibRefine™ HG—Icon Foods’ proprietary partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG)—is the unsung hero behind today’s best-performing functional foods and beverages. Unlike traditional guar gum, it dissolves clearly, resists viscosity changes, and delivers proven prebiotic benefits that support gut health, glycemic control, and cholesterol reduction. Recognized by the FDA as a qualified dietary fiber, FibRefine™ HG offers formulators a rare combination of solubility, stability, and consumer appeal. From RTD beverages and protein shakes to baked goods and frozen desserts, it improves texture and shelf life without compromising taste or clarity. For food technologists seeking clean-label functionality and digestive wellness, FibRefine™ HG is the fiber that does it all—quietly, efficiently, and brilliantly.
Authored by:
Thom King, Icon Foods
Chief Innovations Officer/Certified Food Scientist
Let’s talk about an ingredient that’s quietly been transforming gut health, formulation stability, and texture across the better-for-you space — without demanding the spotlight. We’re talking about Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG), or as we call it at Icon Foods: FibRefine™ HG. If fiber had a backstage pass to every trending functional food and beverage launch, FibRefine™ HG would be first in line. It’s stealthy, soluble, gut-friendly, label-friendly, and extremely versatile. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of dietary fibers—but softer, smoother, and a whole lot more fermentable.
What is FibRefine™™ HG (PHGG)?
FibRefine™ HG is derived from guar beans via a partial enzymatic hydrolysis process that chops the long guar gum polysaccharidechains into shorter segments — resulting in a low-viscosity, soluble fiber that dissolves clearly and easily in both hot and cold water. This makes it a dream ingredient for everything from RTD beverages and protein shakes to baked goods, bars, and even frozen desserts.
While traditional guar gum is a thickening and gelling agent, PHGG is all about solubility, stability, and prebiotic performance— without the goopy drama.
CFR Compliance: PHGG as a Qualified Dietary Fiber
PHGG is recognized by the FDA as a dietary fiber under 21 CFR § 101.9(c)(6)(i). Why? Because it has demonstrated beneficialphysiological effects in humans, particularly:
- Improved laxation and stool consistency
- Modulation of postprandial blood glucose
- Reduction of blood cholesterol levels
- Prebiotic effects and enhancement of gut microbiota
In 2018, the FDA affirmed PHGG’s dietary fiber status following submission of a citizen petition and supporting clinical studies showing measurable impacts on digestive health, lipid metabolism, and glycemic response.
In short: FibRefine™ HG doesn’t just qualify — it excels.
Features & Functional Benefits of FibRefine™ HG
| Feature | Functional Benefit |
|---|---|
| Low Viscosity | Won’t thicken or gel — ideal for clear beverages, RTDs, and powders |
| Water Soluble | Fully dissolves in hot or cold liquids |
| Stable Across pH and Temp | Survives pasteurization, retort, freeze/thaw—no drama |
| Fermentable Prebiotic | Fuels bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, produces SCFAs |
| Excellent Tolerance | High GI tolerance even at functional doses (5–10g/day) |
| Label Friendly | Recognized as “guar fiber” or “partially hydrolyzed guar gum” |
| Mild, Neutral Taste | No off flavors, even in delicate beverage systems |
Above is a comparison graph showcasing how FibRefine™ HG (PHGG) stacks up against Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and Digestive Resistant Maltodextrin (DRM) across key functional formulation attributes.
Best Practices in Formulation
PHGG is incredibly forgiving, but here’s how to make it shine:
Use Rate Guidelines
- RTD Beverages: 2–5g per serving for digestive health claims
- Powdered Drink Mixes: 3–6g per serving
- Nutrition Bars & Snacks: 3–7g per bar for fiber boost and texture
- Baked Goods: 3–6% flour replacement for added moisture retention and fiber
Solubilization
- Add during the aqueous phase or premix with dry ingredients
- Mix at ambient or warm temps with light agitation—no high shear required
Fiber Stacking
- Pairs beautifully with other fibers like inulin, IMO, and soluble tapioca fiber (FibRefine P90) to modulate texture and enhance gut diversity
- Boosts mouthfeel and emulsification when used alongside plant-based proteins or low-viscosity gums
Ideal Applications Where PHGG Shines
| Category | Why PHGG Works |
|---|---|
| Functional Beverages | Clear, stable, and gut-health-forward—perfect for RTDs, electrolyte drinks, and kombuchas |
| Protein Shakes | Adds fiber without thickening or graininess—smooths out plant protein roughness |
| High-Fiber Bars | Improves pliability, shelf-life, and prebiotic load—less brittle, more bounce |
| Baked Goods | Supports moisture retention, fiber boost, and lower net carbs |
| Frozen Desserts | Cold-process stable with no freeze/thaw syneresis—keeps mouthfeel lush |
| Meal Replacements | Adds satiety, fiber, and digestive benefits without chalkiness |
Prebiotic Power: Fueling the Microbiome
PHGG’s real superpower lies in its prebiotic potential. Unlike insoluble fibers that pass through inertly, PHGG ferments slowly in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, propionate, and acetate — which:
It’s a low-FODMAP friendly fermenter too—making it suitable even for sensitive guts and GI-conscious formulations.
Why Food Technologists Should Formulate with FibRefine HG
Still need convincing? Let’s recap:
- Meets FDA criteria as a dietary fiber
- Zero turbidity and invisible in both appearance and flavor
- Stable and forgiving in complex systems
- Gut-health-forward for savvy consumers
- Highly functional across diverse applications
- Won’t destroy your viscosity or stability profiles
Formulators striving to create satiety, enhance digestive health, and meet clean label goals—all while keeping mouthfeel silky—should absolutely have PHGG on their bench.
The Icon Foods Advantage: More Than Just an Ingredient
At Icon Foods, we don’t just deliver a drum of FibRefine™ HG and wish you luck. We deliver:
- Concierge-Level R&D Support
Our food scientists are your formulation allies, available to troubleshoot, customize, and co-create. - Multi-Source Assurance
We ensure secure, redundant supply chains—so your projects don’t get derailed. - Documentation Without Drama
COAs, spec sheets, regulatory documents—we handle the paperwork so you can focus on innovation. - White-Glove Logistics
From just-in-time delivery to special pack sizes, we ship on your schedule, not ours. - Strategic Ingredient Stacking
Pair FibRefine™ HG with our sweeteners, stevia-monk fruit blends, and prebiotic stacks for synergistic clean-label builds.
Bottom Line?
FibRefine™ HG is more than a fiber—it’s a formulator’s secret weapon for unlocking better-for-you functionality without sacrificing taste, texture, or consumer trust.
Got a project in the pipeline? Let’s get functional, flexible, and fiber-forward—together.
Reach out to Icon Foods and request a sample of FibRefine™ HG today. Your gut—and your customers—will thank you.
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