Norkem is delighted to announce the addition of KARBFiX® to our growing portfolio of innovative functional food ingredients.
KARBFiX® is a specialised carbohydrate engineered to provide optimum energy availability in sport and fitness supplements. With a neutral taste profile, excellent solubility and stable performance across heat treatment, pH levels and shelf-life conditions, it provides flexible options for ready-to-drink beverages, powders, gels, hydration sachets, nutritional bars and more.
KARBFiX® has been developed by NiHTEK, the company behind lactose free whey protein alternative NiHPRO™. Indeed, the story of KARBFiX® is closely intertwined with that of NiHPRO™. With KARBFiX® synthesised in part from pea starch left over from the protein extraction process used to make NiHPRO™.
The latest addition to the NiHTEK range continues the company’s flair for groundbreaking innovation. NiHPRO™ is the product of a now-trademarked novel protein purification technique that allows plant-derived proteins to match whey in taste, mouthfeel, amino acid content, solubility and digestibility. NiHTEK now has a patent pending on the hydrolysis and purification technique it has developed to make KARBFiX®.
The result of that innovation is the world’s first 100% corn-free Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD). HBCD has become the standard carbohydrate additive for fast, reliable energy release in pre, intra and post-workout supplements.
Compared to other sugars and starches, HBCD has low osmolarity, which means it isn’t as readily absorbed in the small intestine. Rapid carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine can cause gastrointestinal problems and upset blood sugar and insulin levels. By contrast, because it mostly passes into the large intestine (colon), HBCD supports a healthy gut biome, contributing to overall health as well as providing a reliable fast-acting energy boost.
To date, all HBCD products used in sports and functional food and drinks have been derived from amylopectin, a component of the waxy starch found inside maize (corn). As the first non-corn alternative, KARBFiX® offers food and drink brands a point of difference in a crowded market.
Ideal for electrolyte building, KARBFiX® is well suited to intra‑workout, endurance and hydration‑focused products across multiple categories, including sports and active nutrition powders, energy and hydration drinks, other functional and medical beverages, and gels, chews, sachets and liquid shots. This versatility makes it an ideal ingredient for both high‑performance and mainstream functional products, while its benefits lend themselves to simple, straightforward labelling.
KARBFiX® is now available from Norkem as a stock item supplied in 20kg bags. To find out more about KARBFiX® or to request samples and pricing information, please contact our food and drink team.