Asiros Nordic, a European supplier of berry juice concentrate powders and liquid extracts, recently launched an extensive line of BerryShield Juice Powders. The berry powders feature the prebiotic ingredient Sunfiber from Taiyo GmbH, which fully replaces the need for maltodextrin.
 
Maltodextrin is traditionally used in the drying of juice powders to prevent clumping and to act as an anti-caking agent. It’s also used in a wide range of processed foods such as artificial sweeteners, nutrition bars, protein supplements, and meal replacement shakes, as well as in snacks to improve consistency, texture, and taste.
 
One cause for concern regarding maltodextrin is its high glycemic value, which, when consumed regularly, could increase the risk of diabetes mellitus, and possibly lead to weight gain and high cholesterol, Asiros said. Additionally, studies suggest that maltodextrin may offset the balance of bacteria in the gut, resulting in digestive health concerns and inflammatory bowel issues, the company added. Lastly, maltodextrin as a hidden sugar is linked to effects on the endocannabinoid system, which can increase appetite and drive sugar cravings, the company added.
 
Sunfiber, which is available in both certified organic and conventional formats, has been supported by over 180 published studies for gut health benefits, and is approved by the FDA as a prebiotic fiber. It is certified low-FODMAP (a diet designed to help people with irritable bowel syndrome), is non-GMO, and is 100% water-soluble, tasteless, odorless, and colorless.
 
Berry Shield Juice Premium Powders are 100% water-soluble, certified non-GMO, vegan, and are available in both organic and conventional options. They are standardized for anthocyanins and polyphenols, and they are polyphenol-fingerprinted and DNA tested by the Tru ID/ Purity IQ certification program in order to ensure purity.
 
“The Berry Shield Premium line was developed with Sunfiber to add the science-based fiber back into the juice and produce great-tasting berry ingredients that deliver prebiotic benefits along with efficacy and safety,” Stefan Siebrecht, managing director of Taiyo GmbH, said. “Replacing the sugar carrier maltodextrin with the functional dietary fiber adds tremendous health benefits for the consumers. In the U.S., Sunfiber in combination is already a success especially due to the clean labeling of the products which are labeled as ‘carrier-free combination of juice and fiber’ or as ‘prebiotic juice powder.’”
 
The Berry Shield Premium line includes elderberry, bilberry, aronia, tart cherry, and lingonberry, as well as red and black currant. They can be used in a wide variety of delivery forms including tablets, capsules, soft gels, gummies, sachets, and stick packs, as well as for food and beverages.