A comparative analysis of top fibers in food and beverage formulations Summary Agave inulin, chicory root inulin, and soluble tapioca fiber are three powerhouse ingredients shaping today’s better-for-you food and beverage formulations. Each offers unique benefits—from agave’s mild sweetness and prebiotic support, to chicory root’s strong digestive health benefits and Read more…
Summary Formulating better-for-you bars in today’s crowded market requires balancing taste, functionality, and health benefits, especially as more consumers turn to GLP-1 medications and demand nutrient-dense, low-glycemic options. This white paper highlights how Icon Foods’ sweeteners, fibers, and inclusions—such as allulose, PreBiotica™ agave inulin, FibRefine™ soluble tapioca fiber, erythritol, and Read more…
Summary Formulating reduced-sugar foods used to mean tough trade-offs, but not anymore. With PreBiotica™ FOS, Icon Foods delivers a prebiotic fiber that adds mild sweetness, improves texture and moisture, and supports gut health—all without the label baggage. From chewy protein bars to indulgent baked goods and functional beverages, PreBiotica™ makes Read more…
Summary FibRefine® 3.5 is more than just another fiber — it’s an organic, clean-label solution designed to deliver real functional impact. By combining soluble tapioca fiber, agave inulin, and gum acacia, this prebiotic blend supports digestive health with a balanced release of SCFAs while giving formulators the texture, stability, and Read more…
Summary Smooth. Stable. Gut-Friendly. FibRefine™ GA gum acacia is the quiet powerhouse every formulator needs in their better-for-you toolkit. This clean-label, high-tolerance fiber blends seamlessly into bars, beverages, and snacks—bringing body, stability, and prebiotic benefits without digestive drama. From emulsifying plant-based drinks to binding protein bars, FibRefine™ GA works behind the Read more…
Formulating a Gut-Healthy Carbonated Soft Drink: A Functional Approach for Food Technologists and Beverage Formulatorsby Thom King, Icon Foods, Chief Innovations Officer/Food Scientist Move over protein shakes and IPA-fueled kombucha experiments—there’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s packing bubbles, fiber, and just enough monk fruit to make your taste Read more…
By Thom King – Chief Innovations Officer Icon Foods Where does one even start? Tariffs? Cargill’s anti-dumping suit? Demand for containers? The only thing we are missing is a pandemic. We will dive into the burning dumpster in a bit but first let’s have a look at things that look Read more…
Semaglutide, commonly referred to as Ozempic[i], falls into drugs categories known as GLP-1 or Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. Tirzepatide, commonly referred to at the brand Mounjaro[ii], falls into a dual agonist category which contain both GLP-1 and GIP, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Both are important classes of incretin hormones that play Read more…
Fiber stacking is just as it sounds. Stacking fibers in the perfect rations to maximize fiber contact in your formula without triggering a consumer GI response while maintaining a luxurious mouthfeel and texture. Fiber stacking works by way of metabolic rates, pathways, and gastrointestinal impacts of two or more dietary Read more…
The mouthfeel of a food product significantly influences consumer acceptance and enjoyment. As the food industry seeks to improve sensory experiences while addressing the mass cries for more fiber, the incorporation of soluble fibers such as tapioca fiber and inulin has emerged as a savvy strategy. I am going to Read more…