Healthy indulgence: first toffees containing Palatinose

Better carbs:  Beneo presented their new healthier toffee alternative with lower blood glucose response at ISM 2019

At this year’s ISM trade fair, leading functional ingredients manufacturer, BENEO, showcased and sampled the first toffees with its functional carbohydrate, Palatinose™. The new product concept has been created to offer consumers a healthier toffee alternative. It replaces more than 30% of the high glycaemic sugars contained in a standard toffee recipe, supporting a lower blood glucose response.

The increasing global focus on healthy nutrition means that more and more consumers are searching for guilt-free indulgence. However, market research has shown that for many this still remains a challenge: one third (31%) of European consumers, feel guilty always or most of the time when they are snacking[1]. Half of German consumers and nearly two thirds of consumers in Spain, Poland and France find that there are not enough healthy sweets available[2].

The team of experts at the BENEO Technology Center decided to create a healthier toffee supporting a lower blood glucose response as alternative to existing toffee products on the market which can contain up to 65% of high glycaemic sugars. The toffee and fudge category show continued growth: in the past five years, it has increased faster worldwide than the overall confectionery category with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% compared to 0.9%[3]. This development is expected to continue, demonstrating an opportunity for confectionery producers looking to develop healthier alternatives.

Thomas Schmidt, Marketing Director at BENEO comments: “Traditionally, toffees conjure up pure indulgence and nostalgia, but at the same time a relatively unhealthy image for consumers. However, the new toffees with Palatinose™ preserve the traditional creamy-sweet taste and the pleasant bite and mouthfeel of their traditional counterparts. But they have a significantly better nutritional profile, with a lower blood glucose response. This is BENEO’s answer to growing consumer interest in “better carbs” and their wish to balance blood sugar levels whilst enjoying an indulgent treat.”

Palatinose™ (isomaltulose) is derived from sugar beet and has technological properties similar to sucrose. With its mild sugar-like taste it allows flavours other than sweetness to dominate, making it well suited for sweet snacks. Palatinose™ has received EU health claims for being tooth-friendly and lowering the blood glucose response. The functional carbohydrate is fully, yet slowly released, and provides glucose in a sustained manner. This ensures that blood sugar levels stay balanced.

[1] Health Focus International 2018, Global Trend Study

[2] Mintel 2017

[3] Innova 2018

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