Aug. 06, 2024
BI-Sugar™ is produced by NutraEx using its patented dry-embedding technology, which bonds L-arabinose to regular sugar (sucrose) and another natural sweetener, such as stevia or monk fruit. Not only does BI-Sugar™ enable the reduction of calories from sucrose, but research has also shown that L-arabinose functions as a glycemic inhibitor, delaying and partially blocking the conversion of sucrose into glucose and fructose
This action means that replacing ordinary sugar with BI-Sugar™ could help to prevent the blood sugar spike typically associated with sucrose intake. In turn, this could result in longer-lasting energy and support the maintenance of a healthy weight, at a time when GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic have elevated public discussion and awareness about the biological mechanisms that cause conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
In total, BI-Sugar™ offers four compelling benefits: optimal sweetness, calorie reduction, sugar blocking, and reduced costs. It is versatile and can be used across various product categories, including beverages, bakery, confectionery, and dairy. BI-Sugar™ performs the Maillard reaction to produce delightful caramel notes, a feature that is limited in other sugar-reduction solutions. Furthermore, it is made from all natural ingredients that are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the US, removing any regulatory barriers to its use in food and beverage formulations.
Harvey Martens, Co-Founder and VP Business Development at NutraEx, stated: “BI-Sugar™ is not just another sweetener. It is a highly functional solution that will empower food and beverage manufacturers to take their sugar reduction strategies to a new level and set them apart in a highly competitive market. Furthermore, our unique embedding process means the ingredients in BI-Sugar™ work together in synergy for perfectly balanced, bright clean sweetness. With embedding, there is also no separation or settling of different volume density ingredients during storage, transportation, or handling by machinery.”
NutraEx sources L-arabinose from China-based Healtang Biotech Co., a global leader in L-arabinose production, under an exclusive distribution agreement. The sweetener is extensively used in the Chinese food and beverage sector, where it is favored by consumers for its ability to mitigate the glycemic impact of sugar.
Fred Bai, General Manager at Healtang, commented: “L-arabinose has already seen tremendous success in China, and we are confident BI-Sugar™ will be equally popular in the US. Just 5% of L-arabinose can lower the glycemic index of regular sugar, highlighting its vast potential as a cost-effective tool in any food company’s sugar reduction strategy.”
