Move Over, Protein. Fiber Is Here. Amasar to Lead the Rise of Fiber-Rich Breadfruit from Puerto Rico During Expo West

ANAHEIM, CA (March 2026) NPEW BOOTH # N1013— America has a fiber problem. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 90% of women and 97% of men do not meet recommended daily fiber intake levels, making fiber a "nutrient of public health concern."

For years, protein dominated headlines, product launches, and grocery shelves. Now the nutrition conversation is shifting. From mainstream media health coverage to industry podcasts and academic research, fiber is emerging as a foundational macronutrient tied to gut health, metabolic balance, satiety, and long-term wellness. At this year's Natural Products Expo West, Amasar is stepping forward as a leader in this movement with its portfolio of fiber-rich, gluten-free breadfruit products sourced from and grown in Puerto Rico.

Founded with a mission to connect regenerative agriculture with modern nutrition, Amasar was built around a simple but powerful idea: breadfruit can nourish people while strengthening farming communities. After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, co-Founder and CEO Marisol Villalobos and her team saw an opportunity to invest in the island's long-term agricultural resilience. Breadfruit, a traditional Caribbean staple, is a perennial, high-yielding crop that supports soil health and local economies. By bringing breadfruit into the U.S. natural foods market, Amasar bridges purpose and performance.

Breadfruit delivers naturally occurring dietary fiber in a whole food format. It is gluten-free, minimally processed, and versatile across sweet and savory applications. In baking, it produces a tender crumb and golden crust with a subtle sweetness and nutty depth. In savory dishes, it offers structure and satisfying texture without wheat. Amasar's portfolio includes breadfruit flour and easy-to-use baking mixes designed for home cooks, chefs, and product developers seeking functional ingredients rooted in real food.

"Protein had a powerful run, but fiber is foundational," said Villalobos. "We cannot talk about gut health or long-term wellness without addressing the fiber gap. Breadfruit offers a whole-food solution. It tastes good, performs beautifully, and creates economic opportunity in Puerto Rico. That combination is the future of food."

Retail data supports the shift. The International Food Information Council's 2025 Food & Health Survey found that digestive health ranks among the top nutrition priorities for U.S. consumers, with many also seeking foods that support sustained energy and are minimally processed. Breadfruit meets these evolving expectations naturally, without isolates or synthetic fortification.

As retailers and brands prepare innovation pipelines for 2026, fiber-forward formulations are gaining momentum. Consumers are reading labels more closely and looking for functional benefits tied to real ingredients. Breadfruit sits at the intersection of digestive wellness, plant-based eating, and climate-conscious sourcing.

"Fiber is not a passing trend. It is a reset in how we think about nourishment," Villalobos added. "Breadfruit allows us to restore balance to the plate while supporting the land and the people who grow it."

At Expo West, attendees can experience breadfruit beyond the nutrition panel. Warm slices of breadfruit-based loaves with delicate aroma and soft interior. Crisp waffles with toasty edges. Savory flatbreads that hold together beautifully and deliver satisfying bite. The flavor is comforting yet distinct, familiar yet refreshingly new.

Amasar products are available nationwide through the company's online store and in select natural and specialty retailers across the United States, with wholesale partnerships available for retailers, distributors, and foodservice operators seeking fiber-rich, gluten-free innovation.

As buyer interest grows in differentiated, mission-driven brands, Amasar continues to expand distribution while maintaining direct relationships with Puerto Rican growers. Buyers, media, and industry partners attending this year's Natural Products Expo West are invited to visit Amasar (Booth # N1013) to sample products, explore retail and wholesale opportunities, and meet co-Founder and CEO Marisol Villalobos for interviews and expert insight on the fiber movement and the expanding opportunity around breadfruit in 2026 and beyond.

About Amasar

Amasar is a Puerto Rico/US-based company pioneering breadfruit as a sustainable, naturally gluten-free, and nutrient-dense ingredient, with currently 3 NON-GMO skus includes breadfruit flour, waffle mix, and pancake mix, sourced at a woman-owned, 20 acre breadfruit agroforestry farm and state-of-the-art FDA compliant 3,550 sq. ft, QC Lab manufacturing facility. Additional skus will include breadfruit pizza crust, frozen waffles, brownie and muffin mixes. Amasar products are distributed throughout the US and the Caribbean and with an industry savvy management team and global advisory board including Dwayne Weston, professional Red Sox player, Lucas Arzola PhD, Investment P-18, and Don Siegel.