It’s no surprise that fiber, with its significant consumption benefits, is a frequently discussed nutrient. I strive to serve my family a balanced dinner that helps meet our fiber goals. Still, my family struggles with meeting the goals. And we’re not alone. 

The bread market is changing, with fluctuating commodity prices, a still-sluggish economy, consolidations, mergers and buyouts. 

New influences, trends and preferences are redirecting many bakers to develop and produce new products. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is still a critical issue, as are commodities, private-label products and many business consolidations. 

Niagara Fiber LLC, a global supplier of insoluble fiber products, acquires Allied Blending and Ingredients Inc., a provider of fiber- and starch-based proprietary products and mixes.

Exotic superfruits aren’t the only fruits in town loaded with health benefits, consumers are discovering. Many perennial favorites like cherries, blueberries and raspberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients. 

Grains mean quality and quantity. Though most people don’t get enough each day, at least half of the grains in a person’s diet should be made up of whole grains, which are unrefined, and haven’t had their bran and germ removed via milling. From corn to quinoa, manufacturers are upping their nutritional antes with whole grains.

Ingredient briefs from various suppliers. Check it out!

We know that a high-fiber diet can be a critical heart-healthy lifestyle change for young and middle-aged adults, but it’s one that’s worth the switch. Scientists from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine studied adults between 20 and 59 years old a few years ago and found that those with the highest fiber intake had a significantly lower estimated lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease than those with the lowest fiber intake.

Bread is often fortified with dietary fiber of various origins to meet “good” and “excellent” source-of-fiber claims. 

There is a lot of health news right now in the snack food and bakery industries. With the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing its long-expected draft regulation to practically eliminating trans-fat in food to its draft guidance to help growers, manufacturers and foodservice operators take steps to reduce levels of acrylamide in certain foods and so many other health issues, we find this month that our pages are filled with health issues.