Chia Ingredients: Benexia® Xia Fiber
FROM CHIA SEEDS TO CHIA FIBER
A natural fiber, standardizing chia functionality for industrial use
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
Concentrating the Functionality of Chia Seeds at Industrial Scale Benexia is a leading provider of sustainable and nutrient-rich solutions derived from chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) for the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries. Benexia's fully-integrated supply chain ensures complete traceability and upholds the highest quality standards for its products. The company's agricultural operations are situated in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina, with production facilities based in Chile.
Benexia’s processes are all certified under GFSI / FSSC 22000 standards and have Organic, Halal, and Kosher certifications.
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
Benexia® Xia Fiber Chia seeds can be pressed into a highly nutritious oil or pulverized to make similarly potent powders: a fiber-rich powder and a protein-rich powder. All of these ingredients boost high functionality and versatility, making them useful tools for functional food manufacturers to create products that meet the flavor and nutrition needs of health-minded consumers while delivering on palatability.
Chia Fiber Powder A byproduct of the chia oil production process, chia fiber has high potential as an ingredient for food manufacturers while diverting highly nutritious food matter away from landfills. Made from pure, pulverized chia seeds, Benexia® Xia Fiber is produced through our Microtech® technology. The result is a standardized fiber concentrated powder under 435 μm. A stable and scalable chia-based system ideal for high-fiber, nutrient enriched and wellness oriented applications.
Microtechnology Microtech® is a natural micro-milling process developed by Benexia, that transforms Chia seeds, at very low
From a nutrition perspective, Benexia® Xia Fiber consists of 56% fiber and 25% protein and it is an excellent source of omega-3 fats.
temperatures, into Xia Fiber, a clean, pulverized ingredient with a standardized particle size, providing versatile application possibilities. This fine-particle powder has an enhanced
And since it’s milled from pure white seeds, it yields a
fiber content (56%) and an excellent
pale, golden-colored flour that won’t negatively impact
balance of soluble and insoluble fiber
the appearance of products with a traditional ‘whole grain’
(1:9). It is 100% chemical-free and
color. These attributes make it a nutritious and visually
pathogen-free with the lowest microbial
neutral choice that can partially or fully replace gluten,
load and moisture content (guaranteed
eggs, fat, hydrocolloids, gums, soy, and/or in a variety of
by a third-party-validated Log-5
healthier applications from bakery to confectionery.
reduction technology).
Chia fiber not only provides additional nutrients, it can
The registered name for our Xia Fiber is
bind up to 20 times its volume in water. Thanks to this
Xia Powder 435, and its product code is
remarkable absorption rate, the product can be utilized
XP 435 W LM
to help retain moisture, extend their shelf life, and improve texture.
BENEXIA® XIA FIBER
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Two Major Functionalities to Highlight
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TECHNICAL & ORGANOLEPTIC BENEFITS
NUTRITIONAL & HEALTH BENEFITS
Its mucilage with pseudo-plastic
Its nutrient-dense profile
behaviour provides viscosity
adds essential macro
and texture.
and micronutrients.
NUTRITIONAL ADVANTAGES
Dual fiber system:
25% Good quality
5% Omega-3
<1 g net carbs,
56% Dietary fiber
protein
ALA
keto-friendly,
(soluble + insoluble)
Low glycemic impact
Naturally
Clean-Label
Prebiotic potential
rich in minerals
(non-GMO, gluten-free,
for gut microbiota
& antioxidants
allergen-free)
support
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
• • •
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High water-binding and gel-forming capacity Texture enhancement Moisture control
FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
• • •
Shelf-life extension Hydrocolloid replacement Sustainability & upcycling
BENEXIA® XIA FIBER
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
Aligning With Today’s Key Industry Trends Chia fiber: a multifunctional approach to cleaner, smarter formulations Benexia® Xia Fiber offers a complete multifunctional solution by using a balanced soluble/insoluble fiber profile to add essential functionality, moving beyond generic supplementation and achieving true product differentiation.
Clean Label Less ingredients, more functionality Chia Fiber is positioned as a direct, strategic replacement for conventional additive systems, gums, and stabilizers, empowering food companies to simplify their formulations while simultaneously enhancing the nutritional profile of their products.
Benexia® Xia Fiber enables the removal of synthetic additives while improving product quality, enhancing nutritional value, and effectively reducing fat content. Given the significant consumer demand for simple, recognizable, and multifunctional ingredients, Xia Fiber aligns with this critical market shift by enabling:
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Clean-Label Formulation: Achieve additive-free formulations with minimal processing.
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Hydrocolloid Replacement: Directly substitute hydrocolloids, gums, and stabilizers.
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Sustainability & Upcycling Positioning: Support robust sustainability claims with an ingredient of natural origin derived through an upcycled process.
ALIGNING WITH TODAY’S KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
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INGREDIENT REPLACEMENT*
PROVEN APPLICATIONS
Ideal for fruit fillings, sauces, and icings. GUMS
REPLACEMENT RATIO 1:2 In either conventional or gluten-free bread, muffins, and baked goods.
PSYLLIUM HUSK
REPLACEMENT RATIO 1:1 In all kinds of gluten-free doughs or pastries.
GLUTEN
REPLACEMENT RATIO 1:1 Xia Fiber replaced egg in pasta and cakes reducing fat content from 6 to 2 %
EGG
REPLACEMENT RATIO 25 - 50 % Xia Fiber replaced soy protein isolate in meat burgers and sausages
SOY PROTEIN
REPLACEMENT RATIO 1:1
Xia Fiber fully replaced CMC CMC *Whether you totally or partially replace them
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
REPLACEMENT RATIO 1:5
Practical Application Concepts Approach Bridging functionality and nutrition: the expanding role of multifunctional chia fiber Benexia® Xia Fiber profile makes it ideal for nutritional supplements, functional foods, cereals, and snack applications, supporting today’s demand for high-fiber, clean-label, wellness-focused products:
INDUSTRY TREND
TECHNICAL/ FUNCTIONAL ADVANTAGES
Innovation Focus on
A nutrient-dense ingredient providing
Nutritional Systems
integrated nutrition (dual soluble/ insoluble fiber, 25% high-quality protein, and 5% Omega-3 ALA) that simultaneously delivers essential technical functionality
SPECIFIC FOOD CATEGORY
% INCLUSION XF
Nutritional supplements:
More than 10 %
• • • •
Meal Replacement Sport Nutrition Digestive Support Women’s Health
to improve viscosity and stabilization. Reformulation
Strategic replacement for multiple
Clean-Label
conventional additives (e.g., hydrocolloids,
Bakery, Cereal & Snacks
2.5–5 %
Fruit Puree & Gels
up to 5 %
Bakery, Cereal & Snacks
5-10 %
gums, gluten, CMC, soy protein, and starches), delivering enhanced binding and moisture retention while preserving optimal organoleptic quality. Provides clean-label, natural thickening and texturizing functionality for superior viscosity and gel formation. High-Fiber Claim
Achieve up to 10g of fiber per serving with high fiber density (more fiber for fewer calories) and superior digestive tolerance.
ALIGNING WITH TODAY’S KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
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Benexia® Xia Fiber Provides a "Whole Food" Sensorial Profile WATER ABSORPTION CAPABILITY/ YIELD IMPROVEMENT
A GREAT SENSORIAL QUALITY
Soluble + insoluble fiber + protein = water absorption
panelists on a fiber bread elaborated with Xia Fiber
capability of 20 times its weight.
has provided excellent results. When compared with
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a currently marketed standard whole wheat bread,
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It improves yield by adding more water to the formula. It supports a low water activity and ensures a longer shelf life.
Nevertheless, a sensory evaluation with 15 expert
the sensory evaluation data indicated the consumers' preference for the crumb and the color of the chia bread.
It shows a direct benefit on the cost of the
Softness
finished products.
TEXTURE IMPROVER
Freshness
Brings texture and consistency to the dough formation.
TEXTURE RESILIENCE
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Elasticity
The soluble fiber (chia mucilage) has a pseudo-plasticity behavior similar to emulsifiers and gums, which helps
Moistness
Foldability
increase dough elasticity and keep a sponge and flexible texture of the crumb. No crumbling
CLEAN LABEL AND REDUCTION ON FOOD ADDITIVES Xia Fiber helps reduce the usage of food and baking
Market standards for whole grain bread Chia bread
additives, such as eggs, stabilizers, and emulsifiers, allowing the development of products with fewer ingredients: simpler, cleaner, more natural ingredients listed per customers' expectations.
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
Improved “whole grain” appearance Unique color Delivers excellent crumb characteristics Light neutral flavor
Chia Fiber, Flaxseed Meal and Psyllium Husk: Similarities and Differences in Food Applications THE CHIA FIBER SOLUTION FOR MOISTURE MANAGEMENT IN BAKERY MANUFACTURING Flaxseed meal, psyllium husk, and chia meal are composed of a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber, which are related to great functionality, as well as health benefits. Beyond its nutritional value, Xia Fiber's exceptional water absorption and retention capabilities position it as the chia fiber solution for moisture management, dough performance, and product consistency in bakery manufacturing.
SUPERIOR WATER ABSORPTION FOR IMPROVED TEXTURE, MOISTURE AND STABILITY
Fiber Content % Water Absorption Capacity (g water/g fiber) Shelf Life (years)
FLAXSEED DEFATTED MEAL
PSYLLIUM HUSK
CHIA MEAL
BENEXIA ® XIA FIBER
30 - 40
90
32
56
4
17
12
27
1-2
2-3
<1
3
The soluble fiber present in these ingredients, also known as mucilage, has the similar gelling properties that help increase dough viscosity and gas retention during baking. Thus, Benexia ® Chia Fiber surpasses psyllium, chia meal, and flaxseed meal by combining soluble mucilage with a high insoluble fiber content, enhancing structure beyond mere viscosity. This unique synergy increases volume, reduces moisture loss, improves cutting resistance, and ensures a prolonged shelf life. Water Absorption and Holding Capacity (WAC & WHC) are key flour quality indicators, influencing dough absorption and yield. Flours with higher retention rates ensure better dough strength, making them preferred by bakers.
ALIGNING WITH TODAY’S KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
Metabolic Impact A natural multi-layered approach Beyond Fiber A system that works across key metabolic pathways
BENEFITS OF HIGH-FIBER DIET
Benexia ® Xia Fiber is a high fiber, nutrient-dense natural ingredient that combines fiber with essential nutrients such as omega-3 ALA fatty acid, antioxidants, and minerals, offering a multi-layered approach to
Improves Satiety & Reduces Caloric Intake
cardiometabolic health impact.
Combining soluble and insoluble fiber, this dual fiber system is engineered to provide distinct, measurable metabolic benefits, including support normal blood sugar
Supports Blood Sugar Management
metabolism and cholesterol levels. The combination of these 2 types of fiber enables complementary physiological effects:
Helps Cholesterol Levels
Soluble Fiber
Insoluble Fiber
Maintains metabolic function
Support digestive function and transit
Together, they create a broader and more effective
& Lipid Metabolism
Supports Gut Health & Microbiome
metabolic response.
GLP-1 Support
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
METABOLIC IMPACT. A NATURAL MULTI-LAYERED APPROACH
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Regulatory Status in Europe Benexia® Xia Fiber is a naturally occurring dietary fiber approved as Novel Food by EFSA Benexia ® Xia Fiber [Partially defatted chia seed (Salvia hispanica) powder with a high fiber content] was authorized, under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, as a Novel Food in different food categories. The following uses were authorized for the Novel Food (Union list, Regulation (EU) 2017/2470):
POWDER WITH HIGH FIBER CONTENT AUTHORIZED NOVEL FOOD SPECIFIC LABELLING REQUIREMENT
CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE NOVEL FOOD MAY BE USED SPECIFIC FOOD CATEGORY Confectionery
Partially Defatted Chia Seed (Salvia Hispanica) Powder
MAXIMUM LEVELS 4%
Fruit juices and vegetable juices
2.5%
Fruit nectars, vegetable nectars, and similar products
4%
Flavoured drinks
4%
Cakes and pastries
5%
Processed fruit and vegetables (including vegetable-based dishes)
10 %
Bread and rolls
10 %
Pasta based products
8%
Protein products
10 %
Food supplements excluding food supplements for infants and young children
12 g/day
Food Categories are defined in Annex II Part D of Regulation (EC) Nº 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and Council of December 16th, 2008 on food additives (OJ354, 31.12.2008, p.16-33). The EU granted exclusivity for Benexia and this Novel Food extension of use by protecting the scientific data produced for 5 years (from October 2023). That means only the Benexia ® Xia Fiber, XP 435WLM specification, is authorized on the market for 5 years. Please contact us for the full regulatory references at info@benexia.com
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
Follow the Trend! Benexia® Xia Fiber is an excellent ingredient to reach modern consumer trends:
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Concentrated chia fiber Nutrient dense Better-for-you food Gut friendly Clean label Natural Keto Low carb Allergen-free Gluten-free Non-GMO Simplicity Social and environmental responsibility Kosher Halal
High in fiber (56%), protein (25%), and omega-3 fatty acids (5%), this ingredient is ideal for value-added products: gluten-free, low-carb, keto, plant-based, Kosher and Halal.
CLAIMS TO CONSUMER Whole seed-derived: produced from complete chia seed Clean labeling: non-GMO, 100% natural manufacturing process Allergen-free: chia does not fall in any of the +20 allergen categories
Gluten-Free
Keto-Friendly
Sustainable and environmental friendly
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Nutritional Data Sheet PRODUCT Benexia® Xia Powder 435 W LM 1: As this is a natural product, the values reported as typical may vary. 2: Calorie calculation (common conversion factors): In the US, use the 4-4-9 method, which assumes that each gram of protein contributes 4 calories to the caloric total, each gram of carbohydrates contributes 4 calories (less the amount of non-digestible carbohydrates), and each gram of fat contributes 9 calories (FDA). 3: In Canada and in the European Union, use the 4-4-9 adjusted for fiber. A value of 2 calories (8 kJ) per gram should be used for the dietary fiber portion of the fiber source.
Typical values1 per 100g 2
Energy (kcal/kJ)
181 / 757
Energy (kcal/kJ)
295 / 1234
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Total Fat (g)
9.1
Saturated fat
1.1
Polyunsaturated fat
7.3
(of which) Alpha- Linolenic acid
5.5
Linoleic acid
1.7
Monounsaturated fat
0.7
Trans fat
0.0
Cholesterol (mg)
0.0
Protein (g)
24.7
Amino acid profile (g/100g) Alanine
1.21
Lysine
1.16
Arginine
2.40
Methionine
0.76
Aspartic + Aspargine
2.06
Phenylalanine
1.22
Glutamic Acid +
4.17
Proline
0.96
Glycine
1.08
Serine
1.34
Histidine
0.65
Thereonine
0.89
Cysteine + Cystine
0.56
Tyrosine
0.79
Isoleucine
0.88
Tryptophane
0.30
Leucine
1.57
Valine
1.11
Total Carbohydrates (g)
56.8
Total Dietary Fiber
56.7
Soluble fiber
5.8
Insoluble fiber
50.9
Available Carbohydrates
0.1
Starch
0.0
Total Sugars
0.1
Poly-alcohols
0.0
Minerals /Vitamins (mg) Sodium
2.8
Phosphorus
930
Calcium
890
Potassium
830
Iron
28
Zinc
5.4
Magnesium
410
Vitamin D (mcg)
0.0
Antioxidants (umolTE/100g) Oxygen Radical Absorbance
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
>6,000
Ash (g)
4.7
Moisture (g)
4.7
Technical Data Sheet PRODUCT Benexia® Xia Powder 435 W LM DESCRIPTION Benexia® Xia Powder 435 W LM is a fine chia fiber concentrate with a fiber content of up to 56 %, and a particle size bellow 435 microns. It is produced from partially defatted Benexia® White Chia LM using MicroTechTM technology. The chia seeds undergo a 100% natural, chemical-free pasteurization process that provides disinfestation and disinfection, ensuring a pathogen-free product. INGREDIENTS 100% partially defatted milled chia
Physical - Sensorial
Specification
Method*
Color1
Shade of beige
Visual
Taste and smell1
Chia, soft toasted flour
Internal
Appearance1
Fine powder
Visual
≤ 0.1 %
Internal
≤ 400 μm
Laser diffraction
Total moisture1
≤ 9.0 %
ISO 665
Total protein
Foreign matters
1
Particle size1 Chemical
≥ 20.0 %
Kjeldahl
Total fiber2
≥ 50.0 %
AOAC 991.43
Total fat
≤ 12.0 %
Soxhlet
2
1
Microbiological
FORMAT AND PACKAGING MATERIAL 20Kg LDPE inner and kraft outer bags.
Total plate count1
≤ 5,000 CFU/g
ISO 4833
Yeasts
≤ 100 CFU/g
ISO 21527
BEST BEFORE DATE AND STORAGE 36 months, stored in a cool dry place in original unopened package. Recommended storage conditions: Temperature <25 oC and <60 % of relative humidity.
Moulds1
≤ 100 CFU/g
ISO 21527
1
≤ 10 CFU/g
AOAC 991.14
Enterobacteriaceae1
≤ 10 CFU/g
ISO 21528-2
St. aureus
≤ 10 CFU/g
ISO 6888-1
≤ 10 CFU/g
Bam chap. 14
CERTIFICATIONS FSSC 22000 Halal and Kosher
Cl. perfringens
≤ 10 CFU/g
Bam chap. 16
E. coli2
Absence
AOAC 991.14
QUALITY ASSURANCE Additives: Free GMO: Free Allergens: According to allergen assessment. Contaminants: Comply with regulation. Suitable diets: Gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, and low carb.
Absence
ISO 11290-1
Salmonella spp.2
Absence (0/375g)
ISO 6579
Arsenic2
≤ 0.1 ppm
AOAC 986.15
Cadmium2
≤ 0.1 ppm
AOAC 986.08
Lead
2
≤ 0.1 ppm
AOAC 999.11
Mercury2
≤ 0.1 ppm
AOAC 971.21
≤ 4.0 ppb
LC-MS/MS
≤ 1.0 ppb
LC-MS/MS
1
Coliforms
2
B. cereus2 2
L. monocytogenes
2
Contaminants
APPLICATIONS Food, beverage, and nutraceutical ingredient.
Total aflatoxins
REGULATION Partially defatted milled chia has been approved as Novel Food (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/500). Custom Tariff Code: 23.06.9000 Origin: Chile.
* Or equivalent method 1: Analysed per lot production 2: Analysed per yearly productions
Ochratoxin A2
2
NUTRITIONAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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Benexia Ingredients BENEXIA® BLACK AND WHITE CHIA SEED BCS R
Benexia® Black Chia Seed Raw.
BENEXIA® XIA POWDERS: PROTEIN AND FIBER SOURCES
BCS O R
Benexia® Black Chia Seed Organic Raw.
Benexia® Xia Protein is a fine and dispersible powder
BCS LM
Benexia® Black Chia Seed Low Moisture,
concentrated with protein up to 42 %. Benexia® Xia Fiber
pasteurized, RTE.
is a fine chia fiber concentrate with a fiber content of up
BCS O LM Benexia® Black Chia Seed Organic Low Moisture, pasteurized, RTE. WCS R
Benexia® White Chia Seed Raw.
WCS O R
Benexia® White Chia Seed Raw.
WCS LM
Benexia® White Chia Seed Low Moisture, pasteurized, RTE.
WCS O LM Benexia® White Chia Seed Organic Low Moisture, pasteurized, RTE.
BENEXIA® XIA OIL: FATS INGREDIENTS Benexia® Xia Oil is chia oil, obtained through a proprietary premium technology, for a natural cold-press extraction of the chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.). It contains 63 % of omega-3. XIA OIL Benexia® Xia Oil offers great opportunities to develop products in foods and beverage. We offer formulations for a broad range of food applications in fats, oils blends, flavored oils, vegetable spreads, bakery, dairy, juices, condiments, and specialty retail oils. XIA OIL O Benexia® Xia Oil Organic.
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FROM CHIA SEEDS TO XIA FIBER
to 56 % and with more protein than chia seed. Both are manufactured from the partially defatted Benexia® Xia, obtained through MicroTech® technology. XIA PROTEIN Xia Powder 125 W LM Xia Powder 125 W Organic LM XIA FIBER Xia Powder 435 W LM Xia Powder 435 W Organic LM
Benexia, a leader in the industry All Benexia® Ingredients are naturally processed, cleanlabel, gluten-free, and come from sustainable agriculture. Benexia is a fully vertically integrated company (from agricultural production, extraction and concentration processes, ingredients development, and distribution), from chia agricultural production plant to the final ingredients and solutions. Benexia guarantees traceability from the fields to your facility and offers certified quality (GAP, GMP-HACCP, and FSSC 22000), Halal, and Kosher.
Our team, the best customer service We are a group of passionate people fully devoted to our customers, with a great sense of service and love for health and well-being. We offer support in formulation, nutrition, scientific and regulatory matters, with the best experts to assist your needs. Contact us for samples, application sheets and more information at info@benexia.com
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Contact us to request samples and technical support Visit www.benexia.com for Insights and Papers, Application Concepts and Benexia in the News Follow us on Linked In and reach out at info@benexia.com