Glucagel, manufactured by New Zealand food ingredient company, Gracelinc, is a high purity barley beta-glucan ingredient, which offers both heart and digestive health benefits.

Gracelinc chief executive John Morgan says the advantage of using Glucagel is that it can be added to foods without changing their sensory appeal or the production process.

Italian food company Barilla is using the ingredient in bread and brioche as part of its new Alixir healthy food range and including a heart health claim on its packaging.

Glucagel has scientifically proven beneficial health properties. Its soluble fibres can help lower cholesterol and act as a prebiotic, helping digestive function, says the firm.

"Our company and the products we offer are being taken very seriously by the international food markets as our list of sales grows," claims Morgan.

Glucagel is also being used in Australia, where a beverage company has chosen to use the ingredient for its new health drink.