Weight management is increasingly seen as a long-term lifestyle goal by consumers, not just a short-term fix, with many shifting from calorie counting to focusing on nutritional quality as part of their weight loss journey. This is leading more producers to focus on empowerment through better choices, rather than restriction. In line with that development, nutritional profile improvement is high on the agenda for many manufacturers. BENEO is using Fi Europe 2025 to showcase the potential of its ingredient solutions to aid producers through the formulation and reformulation process. Its latest culinary recipe creations demonstrate how producers can use functional ingredients to improve nutritional profiles by increasing protein and fibre, as well as reducing sugar in their food and drink formulations.
Consumer demand driving nutritional profile improvement
Protein is in high demand amongst European consumers, with the number monitoring their protein consumption increasing by one third in just two years,[i] and more than half now influenced by a ‘high in’ or ‘source of’ protein claim when purchasing.[ii] Also, sugar awareness continues to rise, with more than every second European consumers now watching the amount of sugar they consume,[iii] and influenced by ‘low in sugar’ claims on pack in their purchasing decisions.[iv]
For this year’s FiE BENEO has created a range of ‘protein in’ and ‘sugar out’ recipes that showcase how producers can meet today’s consumer’s weight management and other lifestyle goals. Featuring a selection of BENEO’s quality ingredients, from plant-based proteins and scientifically proven prebiotic fibres, through to solutions that replace high-glycaemic sugars, the technical samples demonstrate the great opportunities available to manufacturers.
Imen Ouerdiane, Sales Director EMEA at BENEO, comments: “GLP-1 drugs have redefined the weight management landscape, reshaping how consumers approach nutrition, satiety, and lifestyle choices. Reducing sugar, as well as increasing protein and fibre are key strategies in supporting sustainable weight management and a healthy lifestyle overall. We have invested in production facilities to support manufacturers to meet these demands. Our functional ingredients are a perfect fit to achieve these goals, offering a versatile portfolio that allows for holistic, value-added solutions.”
BENEO’s technical samples to support weight loss and management journeys
High protein sandwich
This prototype proves that nutrient density and indulgent taste can go hand in hand. As a satisfying, plant-based, high protein snack it supports satiety and modern dietary preferences. The core is a ‘high protein’ bread, with an excellent crumb structure, that is made with BENEO’s faba bean and rice proteins, enabling a complete essential amino acid profile. It is paired with an easy-to-spread hummus, featuring faba bean protein concentrate, for an extra protein boost and Orafti® Inulin chicory root fibre for a ‘high fibre’ claim. A plant-based cold cut – with faba bean protein concentrate adding juiciness and elasticity – completes the sandwich, providing a hearty, savoury flavour while further enhancing the protein content.
Sugar-reduced vanilla custard
This indulgent sample provides a creamy, smooth texture and well-balanced flavour, satisfying any sweet craving, while delivering 30% less sugar compared to reference products. This significant reduction is achieved through a sweetness-modulating solution based on short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) and flavourings with modifying properties (FMP). This innovative approach both replaces sugar and adds dietary fibre, enhancing the custard’s overall nutritional profile. In this case, it has also been possible to improve the Nutri-Score of this sample from C to B.
Ready-to-Drink chocolate meal replacer
This plant-based, ready-to-drink meal replacer comes with a smooth consistency, balanced sweetness and cocoa taste that has a nutty twist. Thanks to the inclusion of faba bean protein concentrate and Orafti® Inulin chicory root fibre, it supports satiety and carries both high protein and fibre claims for each 500ml serving. With the addition of BENEO’s low-glycaemic carbohydrate, Palatinose™, the drink also offers consumers a reduced blood glucose response. Additionally, Palatinose™ has been proven to trigger a body’s own GLP-1 release naturally.[v]
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