Wacker introduces soluble dietary fiber

German chemicals firm Wacker Specialties is introducing a new soluble dietary fiber, designed for use in clear beverages, at the IFT show this weekend.

Cavamax W6 alpha cyclodextrin, derived from starch, is a non-digestible, but fully fermentable dietary fiber. It produces haze free, colorless and odorless solutions, with low viscosity and neutral taste, according to Wacker.

The ingredient, recommended for use in beverages, dairy products, baked goods, and breakfast cereals, is heat stable, even under strongly acidic conditions, and it does not contribute to browning reactions even in complex food systems, says the company. It is not hygroscopic.

Dietary fibers are thought to support gut health and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and other diet-related disease. Nutritionists recommend a daily fiber intake of 25 - 30g but most people in the western world do not get enough fiber in their daily diet.

Cyclodextrins are natural occurring molecules composed of glucose units arranged in a bucket shape with a central cavity. Wacker​ claims to be the world's leading producer of cyclodextrin products, marketed under the Cavamax brand name.

The company also makes the OmegaDry omega oil powders and has launched the first non-animal and non-human derived L-cysteine for the food market. The global company generatesannual sales of €2.7 billion.