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Used for centuries but long overshadowed by flashier, trendier superfoods, acacia fiber has a rich history, versatile applications, and promising health benefits. Our blog will take you through everything you need to know about this fibrous ingredient, from its origins to why we use it in our OLIPOP 6g Fiber Line.  

What is Acacia Fiber? 

Acacia fiber, also known as gum arabic, is a type of soluble dietary fiber sourced from the hardened sap of acacia trees, primarily Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. This sap is naturally collected, dried, and milled into a fine powder that dissolves easily in liquids, making it especially useful in beverages. [1] 

For centuries, acacia fiber has been used in food to help maintain smooth texture and consistency. But today, it’s also recognized for something more: its role as a prebiotic fiber. 

Unlike some fibers that form thick gels, acacia fiber is non-viscous and highly soluble, which means it blends easily into drinks without affecting texture in the same way. Once consumed, it isn’t fully digested. Instead, it travels to the large intestine, where it can be fermented by beneficial gut bacteria. [2] 

In other words, acacia fiber is a plant-based ingredient that works both behind the scenes in food and inside the body as a source of fiber. 

Acacia Fiber in OLIPOP 

At OLIPOP, we carefully choose fibers that work well together. That’s why you’ll find acacia fiber in our 6g Fiber Line as part of our proprietary OLISMART blend, where it helps increase the fiber content of our sodas in a way that still tastes smooth and deliciously drinkable. This fiber is also shelf-stable, meaning it can live on the shelf without losing its prebiotic effect. 

Here are a few reasons why we include it: 

• High solubility: Acacia fiber is a non-viscous soluble fiber, meaning it dissolves easily and can be added to beverages without creating a heavy or overly thick texture. [2] 
• Supports the gut environment: As a prebiotic, acacia fiber resists digestion in the small intestine, traveling to the large intestine where it can be fermented by gut microbes. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are byproducts associated with supporting the gut environment. [2-3] 
• Growth of beneficial bacteria: Research has also shown that acacia fiber can help encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, while limiting less beneficial strains. [2] 
• Well-tolerated fiber: In human studies, acacia fiber has been shown to be well tolerated and easy to incorporate into foods and beverages, even at high fiber amounts like those found in our 6g Fiber Line. [2] 

Acacia Fiber: The Takeaway 

At OLIPOP, we’re committed to improving your digestive health with every sip.* To do this, we include our unique ingredient blend OLISMART in every can, packed with prebiotics and botanicals. And guess what? Acacia fiber is an essential part of our OLISMART formula in our 6g Fiber Line thanks to its prebiotic fiber content, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome.* 

*OLIPOP 12 fl oz serving with 6 or 9g of dietary fiber. 

Sources 

1. Harvest. (n.d.). Acacia Export Processing Zone. https://www.acacia-epz.com/harvest/ 
2. Larson, R., Nelson, C., Korczak, R., Willis, H., Erickson, J., Wang, Q., & Slavin, J. (2021). Acacia gum is well tolerated while increasing satiety and lowering peak blood glucose response in healthy human subjects. Nutrients, 13(2), 618. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020618 
3. Prebiotic type spotlight: Acacia Fiber. (2023, June). Global Prebiotic Association. https://prebioticassociation.org/prebiotic-type-spotlight-acacia-fiber/ 

Meet our Expert This article is reviewed by Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, who is a paid member of the OLIPOP team. Courtney is a registered dietitian nutritionist and public health professional with nearly two decades of experience supporting nutrition initiatives across a variety of settings, including schools, community, and the consumer goods industry. Courtney is passionate about turning evidence-based nutrition into practical, everyday solutions. Here at OLIPOP, Courtney is Manager of Clinical Research and Scientific Content, helping to lead our clinical research program as we continue our commitment to science.