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Ingredion has acquired Benicaros, a patented prebiotic fibre derived from upcycled carrot pomace, expanding its portfolio of functional ingredients aimed at the growing health and wellness market.
The ingredient, clinically shown to support immune health, is produced from carrot juice byproducts and is positioned as a next-generation prebiotic solution for food, beverage and dietary supplement applications. It was developed by Dutch health ingredients company NutriLeads, from whom Ingredion has acquired the solution.
According to Ingredion, Benicaros offers several formulation advantages over traditional prebiotic fibres, including efficacy at very low dosage levels and improved digestive tolerance. The water-soluble ingredient also has minimal impact on taste, texture and odour, making it suitable for a broad range of product formats.
Nate Yates, vice president and general manager of sugar reduction and fibre fortification at Ingredion, said: “As we expand our functional ingredients offering, Benicaros’ versatility and health benefits make it a perfect fit for our portfolio."
He added: “This highly differentiated prebiotic carrot fibre addresses the limitations of traditional prebiotic fibres that require high daily intake, have tolerance issues and formulation challenges."
Ingredion said Benicaros works by stimulating beneficial gut bacteria, resulting in immune health benefits while enabling lower inclusion rates than many conventional fibres.
The ingredient also aligns with several key consumer trends, including demand for plant-based, clean-label and sustainable ingredients. Benicaros is kosher, halal, gluten-free and produced through upcycling, supporting circular economy initiatives within food manufacturing.
“The benefits list of Benicaros is quite long, and the fact that it comes from upcycling carrot juice production, supporting sustainability and a circular economy, is all the more exciting,” Yates said.
The acquisition was completed as an asset deal and includes full ownership of all related intellectual property, trademarks, human clinical trial data and manufacturing know-how.
The move reflects continued momentum in the functional ingredients sector as manufacturers seek differentiated solutions that support gut health, immunity and sustainability claims without compromising product formulation or sensory performance.
Headquartered near Chicago, Ingredion serves customers in more than 120 countries and reported approximately $7.2 billion in annual net sales in 2025. The company employs more than 11,000 people globally and operates a network of Idea Labs innovation centres focused on ingredient development and customer collaboration.
