IFT First Review L-R Kiran and Harvey NutraEx launches
for healthier confections BI-Sugar™
NutraEx Food Inc. has unveiled BI-Sugar™, a revolutionary sweetener that slashes sugar content by up to 50% while enhancing flavour and stabilising glycemic impact. The new product, showcased at the IFT Expo, promises to transform the way we think about sugar in the confectionery and bakery
industries.Kiran Grewal reports.
N
utraEx Food Inc. recently launched its cutting-edge BI-Sugar™ at the IFT First Expo. This groundbreaking sweetener, designed to inhibit sugar digestion, offers a novel approach
to sugar reduction that promises to transform the confectionery and bakery markets. Kiran Grewal, Editor of Kennedy’s Confection, caught up with Harvey Martens, VP of Sales and Marketing at NutraEx, to discuss the key features and benefits of BI-Sugar™ at IFT First in Chicago, Illinois. BI-Sugar™ is set to make waves in the sweetener industry with its unique formulation that combines L-arabinose with sucrose and other natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. According to Martens, “BI-Sugar™ is not just another sweetener. It represents a highly functional solution that empowers food and beverage manufacturers to elevate their sugar reduction strategies and stand out in a competitive market.”
The key advantage of BI-Sugar™ lies in its ability to reduce sugar content by up to 50% or more while maintaining optimal taste. Martens explained, “Our formulation includes natural sweeteners to ensure that even with the reduced sugar content, the flavour is not compromised. Additionally, the inclusion of L-arabinose, a
20 Kennedy’s Confection July 2024
natural sugar inhibitor, prevents up to 60% of ingested sugar from being digested.”
Advanced technology for consistent quality The patented dry embedding technology used in BI-Sugar™ is another standout feature. This technology ensures that the sweetener remains stable and performs consistently throughout its shelf life. “Our embedding process prevents common issues like ingredient separation or inconsistent sweetness,” Martens said. “It creates a uniform product that remains reliable during production, transportation, and storage.” The technology also boasts environmental benefits. “The dry embedding process is eco- friendly,” Martens noted. “It requires minimal water and energy, which helps keep production costs low and reduces environmental impact.”
Health benefits and clean label appeal BI-Sugar™ offers notable health benefits by moderating the glycemic impact of sugar. “Consuming sugar often leads to rapid spikes in blood glucose levels,” Martens explained. “BI-Sugar™ helps mitigate these spikes, resulting in a more gradual release of energy over several hours. This means a more stable energy level and a reduced risk of the sugar crash.”
In line with the growing demand for clean label products, BI-Sugar™ is made from all-natural
L-R Kiran and Caroline
ingredients. Martens highlighted, “BI-Sugar™ aligns perfectly with clean label trends. It uses natural sucrose and sweeteners like stevia extract, and we offer it in both organic and conventional versions to meet diverse market needs.”
Positive reception at IFT Expo At the IFT First Expo, NutraEx showcased BI-Sugar™ through a series of blind taste tests featuring sugar cookies made with the new sweetener. Early feedback has been promising. “We noticed that participants appreciated the taste profile of the cookies made with BI-Sugar™,” Martens said. “The cookies had a slightly crispier texture compared to those made with traditional sugar, which many found appealing.”
Martens also shared that varying sweetness levels impacted consumer preferences. “In our tests, we found that cookies with a slightly higher sweetness level were preferred, indicating the importance of dialling in the right amount of sweetness,” he added. NutraEx Food Inc. is excited about the potential of BI-Sugar™ to make a significant impact in the industry. As Martens concluded, “BI-Sugar™ offers a revolutionary approach to sugar reduction, combining natural ingredients and advanced technology to deliver a superior sweetening solution.”
KennedysConfection.com
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