Anderson Advanced Ingredients, received a “letter of no objection” from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its resistant dextrin from tapioca branded as FiberSMART. The letter confirms that the FDA does not have questions regarding the conclusion that FiberSMART is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).  

Available as conventional or organic certified powder or syrup, FiberSMART is a prebiotic fiber that is 20% as sweet as sugar. It is low glycemic but functions more like a sugar than a fiber, stated the company.

“FiberSMART is Non-GMO Project Verified and is recognized by the FDA as a dietary fiber. Achieving GRAS status adds yet another layer of confidence and another advantage for manufacturers creating foods and beverages with mass-market appeal, said John Jarmul, vice president of marketing for Anderson Advanced Ingredients.  

The GRAS status confirms that resistant dextrin from tapioca (FiberSMART) is safe for use at maximum levels ranging from 1.2 to 10 g per serving in baked goods, non-alcoholic beverages, cereals and granola bars, condiments and dressings, confections, dairy products, frozen desserts, gravies and sauces, meal replacements, pasta and grain products, prepared meals and soups, processed fruits, shelf-stable desserts, snacks and crackers, and nutrition bars.

 “We have received so much positive feedback about FiberSMART not only for its versatility and tolerability, but also because its tight tolerances around water activity improve on product consistency and production run times. FiberSMART is fully soluble and can also be used as a carrier in place of maltodextrin. Overall, it’s a great product for lowering sugar content and increasing fiber without sacrificing taste or texture,” says Jarmul.