How is fiber measured?

Over the last few months, we’ve discussed a range of fiber topics in this digestible education series. We started by understanding what exactly fiber is and how it helps our digestive system. Then we touched on the difference between insoluble and soluble fiber, and how fiber feeds the beneficial microorganisms in your gut. Now we’re left with exploring the final frontier of fiber knowledge together — how fiber is measured.

The science has changed.

Science is always changing because scientists are always learning more — they’re like noble detectives uncovering facts and solving the mysteries of life. Before we dive in, let’s paint a picture to get us grounded: NASA’s new James Webb Space Telescope has allowed us to see more light than we have before, yet the light we’re able to see now has, in fact, always been there.¹ Previous test methods that were once the industry standard were unable to accurately detect all the fiber that has been in our shakes and formulas. Reporting was limited to total dietary fiber, but the improved testing methods can now identify the soluble and insoluble fiber that has been there all along.

Kate Farms' fiber isn’t changing.

Kate Farms packaging will include revised fiber quantities, reflective of the updated testing methods that can now detect soluble and insoluble fiber. Did we add more fiber to our products? No! And we still use organic agave inulin as our primary source of fiber. Everything we do and produce at Kate Farms is backed by science, so when we discovered that the science around fiber measurement changed and developed, as science does, we wanted to make sure our labels reflected that science, and that you were the first to know about the update.

Some Kate Farms labels could change.

Although the amount of fiber we add hasn’t changed, the label values will change on some products to reflect the updated science. Kate Farms shakes include a variety of organic and plant-based ingredients, and since fiber is found in plant foods, some ingredients can have both soluble and insoluble fibers. Now we get to reflect those characteristics on our labels!

Grow your toolkit.

With all your new fiber tools in your toolbox, you’re better equipped to understand nutrition and why it’s important! The characteristics of fiber provide various benefits, and we’re excited to spread the facts to you and your loved ones. Now you know why fiber is so important, the differences between insoluble and soluble fiber, and how they’ll be reflected on Kate Farms labels.