A growing number of product developers are incorporating dietary fiber into their formulations to enhance the healthfulness of their products, as fiber benefits gastrointestinal health, aids in weight loss, and provides other benefits related to wellness. For meat and poultry, fiber addition has traditionally been driven more by product performance than by health. Due to the fact that some fibers are capable of binding water, they contribute to the creation of a juicy, succulent product. It is also beneficial to increase moisture content in order to increase yield.
There are many vegetables and cereal grains that are high in insoluble fiber, with wheat and corn having the highest levels. There are a number of fibers that are added to meat and poultry, some of which contribute to the texture of the product, especially in blended products and plant-based alternatives.