BENEO, a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients for food, feed, and pharma, has received Thai FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for an exclusive prebiotic claim for its chicory root fibre, Orafti^® Inulin. It is the first ingredient producer to receive such an approval by the Thai FDA based on rigorous scientific evaluation by the Center for Nutrition Assessment and Health Claims of Thailand (CNACT).

This milestone comes at a time when consumer interest in digestive health is surging. A recent survey conducted by FMCG Gurus^[1] found that digestive health is the second most important health priority for Thai consumers over the next 12 months, with one in two actively looking to improve it. Awareness of prebiotics is also high, with more than 8 in 10 people linking them to digestive health, and 1 in 3 already including prebiotic food and supplements in their daily routines. The survey also shows that chicory root fibre is well-regarded, with 3 in 4 Thai consumers perceiving it as healthy. Against this backdrop, the new Thai FDA-approved exclusive prebiotic claim offers manufacturers a powerful way to align with consumer expectations and drive purchase decisions. 

The approval follows a rigorous scientific evaluation by the CNACT, established under the Nutrition Association of Thailand, and with final authorisation from the Thai FDA. The process required human intervention studies as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses – the highest level of scientific evidence – highlighting the robustness of the data supporting the prebiotic effect of Orafti^® Inulin.

Orafti^® Inulin is derived from chicory root via a gentle hot water extraction method and is one of the few prebiotics recognized internationally by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Chicory root fibres are the most studied prebiotics worldwide and are the only plant-based option available. As a select group of non-digestible fibres, prebiotics positively influence the gut microbiota by selectively promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Their benefits, from digestive health to weight management and overall well-being, have been demonstrated in numerous human intervention studies.

Caroline Bustandi, Head of Regulatory Affairs Asia Pacific at BENEO, said: “We are pleased that BENEO’s chicory root fibre inulin is the first and only prebiotic to be recognized by the Thai FDA following a stringent scientific evaluation. This means that food and drink manufacturers in Thailand can formulate appealing products with BENEO’s prebiotic Orafti^® Inulin and credibly communicate their health benefits on pack. This makes it easier for consumers to make informed choices to support their digestive health – a growing consumer demand in the Asia Pacific region.”

BENEO will showcase its prebiotic solutions at Fi Asia 2025, from 17–19 September at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Visitors to BENEO’s booth (L02) can sample innovative applications featuring Orafti^® Inulin, such as flavoured prebiotic water and brookies. In addition, prototypes made with other BENEO functional ingredients – including tea gummies with the smart sugar Palatinose™ and a crunchy noodle snack with the beta-glucan-rich barley flour Orafti^® β-Fit – will also be available, demonstrating how indulgence and health can go hand in hand.

For further information on BENEO and its ingredients, please visit: www.beneo.com and www.beneo.com/news or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/beneo

BENEO has long-term experience in developing and producing plant-based functional ingredients from natural sources for the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. By supporting health and optimizing taste and texture, they help improve the nutritional and technical properties of a wide variety of products.

Through a unique chain of expertise, BENEO offers customers advice and inspiration on new product ideas that support a healthy lifestyle in a holistic way. This includes the BENEO-Institute that provides decisive insights into nutrition science and legislation, and the BENEO-Technology Center that consults in application technology.

Formed in 2007, BENEO is active in over 80 countries, employs more than 1200 people, and has seven state-of-the-art production sites in Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands that deliver high-quality ingredients at all times.

BENEO, a division of the Südzucker Group, employs more than 1,200 people and has production units in Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

^[1] FMCG Gurus Consumer Survey, Healthy Ageing, Thailand (n=900), conducted on behalf of BENEO