Ingredients by Nature (IBN) has launched MonkFiber, a sweet, functional fiber ingredient sourced from the shells of monk fruit. Monk fruit is a small green melon that has been harvested for centuries, most often these days to be used as an alternative sweetener.
 
IBN’s new ingredient utilizes the outer shell of the fruit due to its role as a great source of insoluble fiber. Not only does MonkFiber makes up 70 percent of daily recommended dietary fiber servings, but it is a zero-calorie alternative to sugar found to be exponentially sweeter.
 
“We wanted to make the most of the whole spectrum of benefits that come with monk fruit and so created an ingredient that functions as an efficacious source of functional fiber that also delivers a sweet taste profile,” said Rob Brewster, president of IBN. “Its rich fiber content makes it perfect for digestive and heart health applications. The residual mogrosides present in the ingredient, along with potent antioxidant properties, provide further benefits for a more holistic approach to health. To take things a step further, we are also beginning to investigate if there is any prebiotic application of MonkFiber to support gut health.”
 
According to WHO, only three percent of consumers meet recommended daily fiber intakes from their regular diet. There is a large demand for products that will fill the fiber gap in turn. Being a functional fiber, MonkFiber can be used in dietary supplements or in food and beverage formulations aimed at providing sweeter support for digestive and heart health.
 
It comes in various mesh sizes to accommodate a variety of applications such as bars, protein powders, fiber mixes, and powdered drink formulations. It is also certified organic.