LONG BEACH, CALIF. — BI Nutraceuticals now offers baobab fruit powder for use in such food and beverage applications as breakfast cereal, cereal bars, smoothies, fruit juices, powdered drinks, ice cream, yogurt and other dairy products. Bodybuilding/fitness supplements and vitamin/mineral formulas are other potential applications.

The baobab fruit is indigenous to Africa. It is a source of soluble fiber and contains vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Baobab fruit has been shown to support the creation of a gel and act as a thickening agent or stabilizer. Potassium and phosphorus content allows baobab fruit to work as a natural preservative.

“Baobab fruit powder offers an easy way to not only boost the fiber profile of products but also improve the overall antioxidant and micronutrient content,” said Walter Postelwait, vice-president of marketing and sales for Long Beach-based BI Nutraceuticals.