Owing to its nutritional and physiological properties, inulin has increasingly been used as a versatile ingredient in processed functional foods such as fat and sugar replacements or fibre supplements (Roberfroid, 2007). Inulin and fructooligosaccharides have numerous beneficial characteristics as functional ingredients that offer a unique combination of interesting nutritional properties and important technological benefits. They can improve taste, texture, and moisture in many foods. Inulin has gelling characteristics that can be used to make low fat cheeses, sauces, soups and table spreads. Its melting properties allow for easy processing of frozen desserts. Binding characteristics allow for inulin to be used in cereal bars. Consequently, fat and carbohydrate replacement with inulin offers the advantage of not having to compromise on taste or texture, while delivering further nutritional benefits. Hence, inulin represents a key ingredient that offers new opportunities to a food industry that is constantly seeking well balanced, yet better tasting, products of the future.
In view of the lack of readily available information on inulin and its growing importance in food products in Thailand, this study was performed to examine inulin content in different food products. Amount of inulin (as dietary fibre) in a serving of each product as per cent of the recommended daily intake (RDI) and the USA was also evaluated.