Dietary Tapioca Fiber

Dietary tapioca fiber is a soluble fiber made from the starch of the cassava root, also known as the yuca root. The starch is processed to extract the fiber, which is then often modified to improve its functional properties. It is a white powder that is nearly tasteless and odorless.

Manufacturers add dietary tapioca fiber to foods as a source of dietary fiber and to provide bulk. It can also act as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. It is commonly found in baked goods, snack bars, and confectionery.

Dietary tapioca fiber is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. As a fiber, it can contribute to digestive health and may help with satiety. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated similar fibers, but specific evaluations for dietary tapioca fiber may vary. Evidence suggests it can be fermented by gut bacteria, potentially producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids.