Editor's Note: This article is an excerpt from the Natural Products Insider, July 2, 2007.

By Karen Genus

Weight-loss beverages are an ideal medium for handheld, convenient nutrition. Ten years ago they were, in effect, meal replacements that contained enough sugar to taste really good and enough fat to be creamy and moderate amount of protein and fiber. Consumers lost weight primarily through calorie reduction. But today, consumers know about macronutrients and are more likely to purchase products after looking at carbohydrates, net carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber.

In addition to calorie reduction, then, for a weight-loss beverage to achieve its purpose, it must taste good enough for consumption and be palatable; cause fullness during consumption, or satiation; cause a continued sense of fullness until the next meal, or satiety; and remain palatable over the course of the diet.

Fiber Fix, in the Mix
Soluble and insoluble fibers have been linked to the reduction of blood cholesterol and certain cancers, respectively. There is no question that soluble and insoluble fibers should be a part of every healthy diet. In the event that fiber-rich grains, fruits and vegetables are replaced by weight-loss drinks, it's essential that fiber be incorporated into the beverage.

Fibers are something that I think are being overlooked in the way of nutrient value,” noted Alice Wilkinson, director of product development, Watson Foods Co. “Beverages are a great application because they can have dual function as a nutrient and stability system in RTD beverages. Soluble versus insoluble fibers are not terrible difficult to balance”.

Product designers have a wide variety of fibers to choose form. Some of the considerations for beverage formulation include: flavor, mouth feel and opacity, which affect product attributes; and dispersion, suspension and cost, which affect processing.

IASC Comment:
Maybe Aloe with fine pulp seems to be what this article addresses. It meets all the criteria. And will do more and be of great help for users doing what researchers tell us Aloe will do. I now leave this up to your imagination.

Best regards,

Gene Hale