In an exciting development for the beverage industry, Fiberstar has introduced a natural alternative to acacia gum, addressing the need for effective emulsifying agents. This innovative product, Citri-Fi Pro, is both allergen-free and gluten-free, providing beverage makers with sustainable options for their formulations.
“This new acacia gum alternative, Citri-Fi Pro, comes at a time when beverage makers are desperately seeking a substitute,” shares John Haen, president and CEO of Fiberstar.
“Directives, such as the proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, would mandate large companies to identify and mitigate human rights and environmental risks across their global operations and supply chains, which in the end will affect their ability to source acacia gum from war zones in the future.”
For years, the beverage sector has been searching for a suitable substitute for acacia gum due to the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Sudan region, which has led to humanitarian crises and raised serious concerns about ethical sourcing practices. Acacia gum (also known as gum arabic) is widely used in the industry for creating emulsions.
The Citri-Fi Pro Innovation
Citri-Fi Pro is being hailed as a revolutionary citrus fiber that can replace up to 75% of acacia gum or modified food starch in beverages. This natural ingredient has the potential to deliver significant cost savings in usage.
As Citri-Fi Pro is derived from responsibly sourced, natural materials and supported by a stable and transparent supply chain, it offers beverage brands a dependable option for maintaining the quality of their products while aligning with clean label and sustainability objectives.
At Fi Europe 2025, Fiberstar’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Brock Lundberg, discussed how Citri-Fi is paving the way for new applications as demands for texture, stability, and clean label ingredients continue to evolve. He emphasized Citri-Fi’s dual functionality compared to standard citrus fibers, the growing interest in the organic 400 series, and Fiberstar’s commitment to scaling supply while advancing citrus fiber innovations.
Key Takeaways
- Fiberstar’s Citri-Fi Pro serves as a natural alternative to acacia gum for beverages.
- The product is allergen-free, gluten-free, and can replace a significant percentage of acacia gum.
- Citri-Fi Pro supports beverage brands in achieving sustainability and clean label goals.
- The innovation arises amid concerns over ethical sourcing from geopolitically unstable regions.
- Fiberstar is committed to a transparent supply chain and advancing citrus fiber technology.
FAQ
What is Citri-Fi Pro?
Citri-Fi Pro is a natural citrus fiber developed by Fiberstar as a replacement for acacia gum in the beverage industry.
What are the benefits of using Citri-Fi Pro?
The benefits include significant cost savings, allergen-free and gluten-free properties, and support for sustainability and clean label objectives.
Why is the beverage industry moving away from acacia gum?
This shift is primarily due to geopolitical instability in regions where acacia gum is sourced, raising ethical sourcing concerns.
In summary, Citri-Fi Pro represents a timely and innovative solution for beverage manufacturers, aligning with modern demands for cleaner, sustainable ingredients. Its natural composition and versatility provide a reliable pathway for companies seeking to enhance their product offerings.
