The search for functional ingredients in the food and beverage industry continues to intensify as consumers become more health-conscious. Manufacturers are constantly incorporating healthy ingredients in their products to enhance their nutritional and functional profiles. One such functional ingredient is beta glucan.
Beta glucan is a naturally occurring dietary fiber found in cell walls of yeast, fungi, bacteria, and certain plants. It is gaining immense traction across industries like food and beverages, dietary supplements, healthcare, and skincare. This is due to its immunity-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Beta glucan is becoming a breakout star in the food and beverage sector. This is due to its potential health benefits. It is being widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food and beverages, leading to higher demand. As per Coherent Market Insights, the global beta glucan industry is set to expand at 8% CAGR during the forecast period, totaling US$ 1020.6 million by 2030.
Novel Beta Glucan Applications in Food and Beverage Sector
Usage of beta glucan as a food additive is witnessing an uptick. It functions as a stabilizer and viscosity enhancer. As a result, it is becoming ideal for enhancing the texture and mouthfeel of sauces, soups, and dairy alternatives.
Similarly, beta glucan can be used as a fat replacement due to its ability to mimic the texture and mouthfeel of fat. Growing popularity of beta glucan as a soluble dietary fiber source in the food and beverage sector is set to boost the global beta glucan industry in the coming year.
In the world of health and fitness, there is an increasing demand for functional beverages. This is prompting manufacturers to incorporate beta glucan in smoothies, energy drinks, and teas. These functional drinks not only offer hydration but also provide health benefits like improved immunity and cardiovascular health.
Water soluble beta glucans also enhance texture and mouthfeel of functional beverages. They effectively increase viscosity and creaminess of fruit juices and other drinks. Functional ingredients like beta glucans are also added to oat drinks to improve satiety and reduce blood sugar and insulin levels.
Top beverage manufacturing companies are disrupting the industry by developing immunity-boosting drinks containing beta glucan. For instance, Singapore’s Allswell recently launched Allswell Immunity Drink featuring Wellmune, a yeast beta glucan that strengthens the immune system.
- Beta Glucan in Food Industry
Beta glucan is widely used in bakery products, sauces, soups, and dairy alternatives, and other food items. It enhances bread volume and texture, improves nutritional profile, and extends shelf life of fortified bakery foods.
Beta glucan acts as a thickener and stabilizer in plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. Using beta glucans in cereals can enhance their nutritional profile as they add more fiber content. Many prominent companies are fortifying functional foods with beta glucan to improve their nutritional profile.
The ongoing craze for immune-boosting supplements is also making way for the creation of novel functional treats. For instance, beta glucan-enriched gummies are being developed to meet evolving consumer needs and tastes. Similarly, chocolates infused with beta glucan are gaining traction.
Usage of beta glucan in plant-based foods is also increasing. Leading players are offering various types of beta glucan for food enrichment.
- Beta Glucan in Dietary Supplements
Thanks to beta glucan’s nutritional benefits, it is gaining immense popularity in the dietary supplements industry. Many companies provide beta glucan in concentrated power and capsule forms.
Beta glucan is also being combined with other essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals in dietary supplements to target specific health issues like heart health and immune function. Growing popularity and consumption of these beta glucan-based supplements will likely play a key role in boosting the global industry.
