What is citrus fiber?
Citrus fibre is a functional food fibre produced by processing the peel and pulp left after juicing citrus fruits such as orange and lemon. It contains natural pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose, with total dietary fibre of 75–85%. Thanks to its pectin content it binds not only water but also fat and stabilises emulsions. This makes it an alternative to xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose and some emulsifiers in clean-label formulations.
How is it produced?
Pulp from juice production is washed free of sugar and acid, its cell structure is opened by mechanical and thermal treatment, and it is dried and milled. In "activated" grades high shear is applied during production to open the fibre network, which can double the water-holding capacity. Produced without bleaching, the product is light cream-yellow.
Activation: the most critical application detail
Citrus fibre reaches full performance only when sufficient shear (homogeniser, colloid mill or high-speed mixer) is applied. With insufficient mixing the fibre network does not open and viscosity and stability stay below expectation. When adding to a recipe, disperse the fibre in the water phase first, then add the oil phase.
Applications in food manufacturing
Sausages and meatballs, plant-based meat alternatives, mayonnaise and dressings (reducing egg and starch), ketchup and sauces, bread and cakes (moisture retention), ice cream and dairy desserts, juices and smoothies (pulp feel), instant soups. Typical usage is 0.5–2%.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check total dietary fibre (≥ 75–85%), water-holding capacity (1:8–1:15), oil binding (1:3–1:5), particle size (100–250 mesh), moisture (≤ 10%), colour, pectin content, microbiological values and pesticide residues. A slight citrus note may be present; evaluate with samples in delicately flavoured products.
What to check when buying
Decide between standard and activated grade according to your equipment: if you cannot apply high shear, prefer the activated grade. Brazil, Spain and China are common origins. Organic-certified grades are available. Obtain the specification, lot-specific COA, allergen/GMO statements and organic/halal certificates where needed with the quotation.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of citrus fibre is set by grade (standard/activated), fibre content, organic certification, origin and order quantity. The typical minimum order is one pallet. PERDIST identifies the grade suited to your equipment and application, compares sources and provides a written quotation with documents.
Frequently asked questions
Need current pricing, minimum order, origin or technical documents for this ingredient? Tell us the application and monthly quantity; we reply with a written quotation within one business day.