Oat-Based Soluble Fiber Ingredient With Beta Glucan Launched

Swedish firm Biovelop AB has introduced an oat-based soluble fiber ingredient containing 35 percent beta glucan, which has been linked to maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels. According to Biovelop, PromOat is gluten-free, neutral in taste and color and contains no insoluble oat fiber or oat protein, two components that negatively affect the flavor and aesthetics of foods. The company says PromOat can be used in a range of food and drink products not normally associated with oats and it expects “huge interest” from food and drink manufacturers capitalizing on the “free from” and functional food trends. The ingredient has been tested successfully in fruit juices, smoothies, ready meals, condiments, dressings, processed meat and bakery products. Soluble fibers are seen as a big growth opportunity in the functional foods market.