The European Commission has authorised the use of Ingredion’s Benicaros SF Pure P, a plant-based, soluble carrot fibre ingredient, for commercialisation throughout the region.

Benicaros was acquired by Ingredion in June 2026, previously owned by Dutch company NutriLeads. The Benicaros SF Pure P solution is made from rhamnogalacturonan-I enriched carrot fibre upcycled from carrot pomace. It is kosher, halal and gluten-free.

The novel food authorisation follows a positive scientific safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), permitting the use of the patented ingredient across certain foods, beverages and nutritional supplements.

The ingredient is designed to stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and the production of short chain fatty acids. Research shows an increase in beneficial gut bacteria and their metabolites can offer a range of potential immune health benefits, such as interaction with innate immune cells, Ingredion said.

Sebastian Smith, director of fibre fortification and healthful solutions at Ingredion, said: “This approval represents a significant milestone, unlocking the European market for a highly differentiated carrot fibre that addresses the limitations of traditional fibre ingredients”.

“With Benicaros, we’re enabling our customers to deliver unique fibre benefits without compromising taste, texture or added benefits to the label.”

The solution is water-soluble, pH- and heat-stable, and has minimal impact on taste, texture or odour of a finished product, according to the company. It is versatile for use across functional foods, beverages and supplements at a low dosage of 300mg per day.

Ingredion is headquartered in Chicago, US, with a global presence in the ingredient solutions market. The company reported annual net sales of approximately $7.2 billion in 2025, specialising in turning grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials into value-added solutions for the food, beverage, brewing and animal nutrition industries.