Bioactive ingredients company CarobWay, GmbH has announced it has sealed a distribution agreement with GRA Nutra Corp., a Delaware-based developer and distributor of natural ingredients. CarobWay’s first commercial product, CarobBiome, will roll out in 2026. This alliance enables CarobWay to expand its full line of carob-based solutions into the U.S.

This clean ingredient can be used in products such as snack bars, baked snacks, gummies, chocolates, and functional candies, and is a natural prebiotic fiber derived from carob fruit reportedly shown to support wellness on several fronts—it can promote digestive comfort, enhance satiety, and contribute to overall metabolic function.

Bringing the ancient Biblical superfruit back to the forefront of the functional food and natural supplement markets, CarobWay runs a fully vertically integrated company operating as a cultivator and innovator of specialty carob sourced ingredients, it says. With GRA Nutra, the full portfolio is in the pipeline for availability across North America.

CarobBiome is a clean-label, minimally processed prebiotic sourced from upcycled carob pulp. It is extracted using a proprietary method that applies only water and heat and allows a clean and simple ingredient list. CarobWay’s production capacity is ready to scale, as it preps itself to serve the U.S. market next year, the company notes.

“By integrating CarobWay’s responsibly produced, high-quality, carob-based ingredients into GRA Nutra’s North American portfolio, we enhance the value we can deliver to our customers across the functional food, beverage, and supplement industries,” affirms Lynda Doyle, CEO of GRA Nutra Corp. “I have known CarobWay’s co-founders, Udi Alroy and Guido Schaer for many years, and they have a long history of bringing top-tier natural products into the market. I’m excited to work directly with them. I have immense respect for their expertise and their commitment to making a lasting impact on our industry. The rapid growth CarobWay has already achieved is remarkable. This collaboration underscores our shared vision for a more sustainable future and reflects our dedication to advancing industry standards through integrity, innovation, and lasting partnerships.”

Dual fibers for gut and metabolic health

CarobBiome comprises 85% total fiber, bringing together a balance of insoluble and soluble fractions. The insoluble portion naturally supports GI regularity and reduces bloating. The soluble portion fuels beneficial microbes and carries naturally occurring polyphenols. Prebiotics are valued for nurturing beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs are reportedly known to support gut barrier function, facilitating blood glucose management, and help enhance satiety while reducing cravings, leading to improved weight management and blood sugar balance.

Fiber is making a comeback

According to Innova Market Insights around one in three Americans report they’ve adjusted their diets for weight loss, while prebiotics are gaining traction as functional ingredients that add fiber, reduce sugar, and replace fat.

“CarobBiome addresses two everyday consumer concerns, digestive comfort and metabolic support,” maintains Udi Alroy, co-founder and CEO of CarobWay. “CarobBiome was designed to be gut-friendly, label-friendly, and highly functional.”

CarobBiome is neutral-flavored and heat-stable, and imparts no bitterness or off notes that can complicate reformulation, CarobWay says. It also is vegan, allergen-free, and non-GMO.

Related: CarobWay to launch prebiotic fiber innovation at IFT FIRST