Barley-based fiber additive to appear in fruit juice line

"Backed by research showing that it can cut cholesterol, Cargill is rolling out a new ingredient it's touting as the next big thing in functional foods - a fiber product made from whole-grain barley that can hide in foods and beverages without adding unpleasant texture, taste or bulk. A pear-merlot juice blend from Bolthouse Farms this month will become the first consumer product to hit grocery stores containing Cargill's Barliv barley betafiber. The labels bear a statement approved by the US Food and Drug Administration saying it can help promote a healthy heart. Cargill says other Barliv products are likely to come out soon, including waters, snacks, cereals and bakery goods - Cape Cod Times