Sweeteners

Tapioca Syrup

Tapioca Syrup is a sweetener made from the starch of the cassava root, also known as tapioca. It’s produced through a process that involves extracting the starch from the cassava root, then breaking it down into a syrup form through hydrolysis. Tapioca syrup is commonly used as a sweetening agent and can be found in various food products.

  • Food & Beverage: Tapioca syrup can be used as a substitute for traditional sweeteners like sugar or corn syrup in various recipes, including desserts, baked goods, beverages, and sauces. It can be used in baking to add sweetness and moisture to cakes, cookies, and bars.

    Tapioca syrup is often used in making candies, such as caramels and nougats, to provide sweetness and texture. It is commonly used as a binding agent and sweetener in granola bars, energy bars, and other similar snacks. It can be used in making frozen desserts like ice cream and sorbet to improve texture and sweetness. Tapioca syrup is sometimes used as a carrier or sweetener in nutritional supplements and protein bars. It can be used in glazes for meats or vegetables, as well as in sauces for savory dishes, to add sweetness and enhance flavor.

Brown Rice Syrup

Brown Rice Syrup, also known as rice malt syrup, is a sweetener derived from brown rice. It is a light-tasting sugar substitute that is allergen free, low in calories, and comes in different levels of sweetness. Brown rice syrup is a versatile sweetener with a unique flavor profile that can be used in various culinary applications, from baking to savory dishes.

  • Food & Beverage: Brown rice syrup is primarily used as a sweetener in various food products. It is not as sweet as table sugar, but it does have a mild sweetness with a subtle butterscotch-like flavor. It can be used in baking as a substitute for other liquid sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or corn syrup. Brown rice syrup can add moisture and a subtle sweetness to baked goods such as cookies, muffins, and bread. Brown rice syrup is commonly used as a binder and sweetener in granola bars, energy bars, and homemade granola recipes. It helps hold the ingredients together while providing sweetness. Brown rice syrup is also used in sauces, marinades, and glazes. It can also be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey, which is not suitable for those following a vegan diet. It is also free from common allergens like gluten and dairy.

  • Nutraceutical: Brown Rice Syrup is often used as a sweetener in nutritional supplements, protein bars, and health food products.

    Vegan and allergen-free: Brown rice syrup is often used as a vegan-friendly alternative to honey, which is not suitable for those following a vegan diet. It is also free from common allergens like gluten and dairy.

Dextrose

Dextrose is a simple sugar that is derived from corn. Dextrose is commonly used as a sweetener in food and beverage products, and it also serves various other purposes in food processing.

  • Food & Beverage: Dextrose is used as a sweetener in a wide range of food and beverage products, including candies, baked goods, soft drinks, and fruit juices. It provides sweetness and enhances flavor in these products. In baking, dextrose can be used as a sweetener in recipes such as bread, cakes, cookies, and pastries. It can also contribute to browning and crisping in baked goods. Dextrose is also used in food processing as a bulking agent, stabilizer, and texture enhancer. It can improve the texture, mouthfeel, and shelf life of food products such as ice cream, frozen desserts, and processed meats. Dextrose is often used in sports drinks and energy products to provide a quick source of energy to help replenish glycogen stores in muscles and provide a rapid source of glucose for energy.

  • Nutraceutical: Dextrose is used in medical settings as an intravenous (IV) solution to treat dehydration and replenish blood sugar levels in patients with conditions such as diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Agave Syrup

Agave Syrup is a type of syrup made from the agave plant, specifically from the inulin component of the agave plant. Inulin is a type of soluble fiber found in many plants, including agave. The syrup is produced by extracting and concentrating the inulin from the agave plant, resulting in a sweet syrup with a lower glycemic index compared to traditional agave syrup.

  • Food & Beverage: Inulin agave syrup has a lower glycemic index compared to traditional agave syrup and other sweeteners like sugar or honey. This means it causes a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels after consumption. Like traditional agave syrup, inulin agave syrup is used as a sweetener in various food and beverage products. It has a sweet taste like honey, with a mild flavor profile that blends well with other ingredients. Inulin agave syrup can be used in baking as a substitute for other liquid sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or corn syrup. It can add sweetness and moisture to baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and muffins. can be used as a sweetener in sauces, dressings, and marinades for savory dishes. It can add a touch of sweetness to balance out tangy or acidic flavors. It can be used to sweeten beverages such as teas, coffees, smoothies, and cocktails. Its liquid form makes it easy to dissolve and mix into drinks.
  • Nutraceutical: Inulin is a prebiotic fiber, meaning it serves as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. Consuming inulin agave syrup may promote digestive health by supporting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Inulin agave syrup is often used as a sweetener in health food products such as energy bars, granola, yogurt, and other snacks. Its lower glycemic index and prebiotic properties make it appealing to consumers looking for healthier sweetening options.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are short-chain fructose molecules that naturally occur in various fruits, vegetables, and grains. They belong to a class of compounds known as oligosaccharides and are classified as prebiotics due to their ability to stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, thus promoting digestive health. FOS is extracted from natural sources or synthesized enzymatically, mainly from sucrose. Due to its functional benefits and versatility, FOS Fructooligosaccharides is increasingly popular in the formulation of functional foods, beverages, and dietary supplements aimed at promoting gut health and offering a healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners.

FOS supports a healthy digestive system and aides with mineral absorption, such as calcium and magnesium. FOS provides a sweet taste with lower calories compared to sucrose, making it suitable for low-calorie diets.

  • Food & Beverage:
    Dairy Products: FOS is often added to yogurt, kefir, and other fermented dairy products to enhance their probiotic effects and improve taste.
    Baked Goods: It can be used in bread, cookies, and other bakery products to substitute sugar and add a health-promoting component.
    Cereals and Breakfast Bars: FOS is included in breakfast cereals and bars to add fiber content and sweetness without significantly increasing the caloric value.
    Beverages: Functional beverages, such as health drinks, prebiotic juices, and dairy drinks, may contain FOS to support digestive health.

  • Nutraceutical:
    Prebiotic and Probiotic Formulations: FOS is widely used in prebiotic supplements, often in combination with probiotics, to support gut health by fostering a healthy intestinal flora.
    Fiber Supplements: As a source of dietary fiber, FOS supplements can help improve bowel regularity and overall digestive health.
    Infant Formulas: FOS is added to some infant formulas to mimic the prebiotic effects of human milk oligosaccharides, supporting the development of a healthy gut microbiota in infants.
    Pet Foods: FOS is incorporated into pet foods for dogs and cats to promote digestive health and enhance the absorption of minerals.