Ingredion Secures EU Novel Food Approval for Upcycled Carrot Fibre, Benicaros SF Pure P
Ingredion's upcycled carrot fibre, Benicaros SF Pure P, has received EU Novel Food authorisation, enabling commercialisation from 2nd July 2026. This approval targets the growing European market for gut health and sustainable ingredients.
London, United Kingdom — 26 August 2026
Ingredion has secured European Union Novel Food authorisation for its Benicaros SF Pure P, an upcycled, rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I)-enriched soluble carrot fibre. This regulatory clearance, following a positive assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), permits the ingredient's use across food, beverage, and dietary supplement applications throughout the EU starting 2nd July 2026. The approval significantly expands Ingredion's functional fibre portfolio, particularly within the upcycled and plant-based ingredient categories.
Benicaros SF Pure P, acquired through Ingredion's June 2026 acquisition of NutriLeads, is derived from carrot pomace, a byproduct of carrot processing. This repurposing aligns with increasing industry demand for sustainable sourcing and 'upcycled' claims. The ingredient's enrichment with RG-I, a naturally occurring pectin component, positions it for microbiome-related functionalities, including stimulating beneficial gut bacteria and supporting short-chain fatty acid production, as highlighted by Ingredion's human studies.
A key commercial advantage of Benicaros is its functional efficacy at a low daily dosage of 300 mg, coupled with favourable sensory properties. Ingredion claims it is water-soluble, heat-stable, and pH-stable, with minimal impact on taste, texture, or odour in finished products. This addresses a persistent challenge for formulators: integrating effective fibre fortification without compromising product attributes or requiring high inclusion rates that can affect cost and sensory profiles. Sebastian Smith, director of fibre fortification at Ingredion, stated this approval unlocks the European market for a highly differentiated carrot fibre that overcomes limitations of traditional fibre ingredients.
This authorisation coincides with converging market trends for digestive health, microbiome support, and sustainable nutrition. As European consumers increasingly seek functional ingredients with transparent sourcing, Benicaros offers brand owners a verified, science-backed solution. The ingredient also joins other recently approved Novel Food ingredients, such as Kemin's algae-derived beta-glucan (BetaVia Pure), underscoring a broader industry shift towards innovative, health-focused solutions in the EU market.
What this means for United Kingdom
UK supplement manufacturers and brand owners will gain access to a new, differentiated ingredient post-2nd July 2026, enabling innovation in gut health and 'upcycled' product lines. Formulation costs for new products may be optimised due to the low 300mg dosage requirement, potentially improving margin profiles compared to high-inclusion fibres. Procurement teams should evaluate supply chain implications and potential pricing pressure on existing fibre suppliers. Regulatory teams must ensure any UK-specific Novel Food equivalency or separate application is considered for product launches outside the EU market, maintaining compliance and avoiding costly delays.
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