In 2022, the global COVID-19 outbreak continues to affect consumer behaviors and attitudes. The pandemic has altered the trajectory of food and drink trends to offer more health benefit and support the emotional well-being concept. A rising food and beverage trend is the growing interest in immune-boosting, which can prevent infection and increase healthy from within. We can see many food and beverage products that have adopted the immune boosting trend.

To increase immunity, we can start with good gut health, which can be supported by prebiotics and probiotics. Certain herbs and fruits can help us boost our immune system as well. In the course of this three part “For Better Immune Health” series, we will introduce nutrient and ingredient functions for adoption in immune boosting foods and beverages as follows: 

1. Prebiotics and Fibers

2. Probiotics

3. Plant Extracts

Actually, “Fiber” is well-known and has been used in food and beverages for many years to support digestion and detoxification. To this day, companies are increasingly creating products that contain fiber and prebiotic functions to support probiotics and improve gut health.

So, let’s talk about what you need to know about fiber and prebiotics. Dietary fiber is normally found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble, but how do they differ?

 Polydextrose, Inulin and FOS have many benefits. Besides being efficient prebiotics, they can be used as sugar substitute because the taste and feel is similar to sugar but with 30 – 50% less energy (compared with sucrose). Furthermore, they can be fat substitutes, too, because they have high viscosity, creamy texture and mouthfeel. Normally,these perbiotics are used in dairy products, ice cream, beverages, candy and bakery. Our Food lab has developed “Flow Yogurt Ice Cream” and a bread that use FOS as key ingredients as an alternative to existing ingredients. 

JJING is standing by with FOS and Polydextrose to support the food and beverage industry. If you are interested or need more information, please send us a message!