Maximizing Sugar’s Flavor with Sweetness Modulators
By Thom King – Chief Innovations Officer, Icon Foods
Given the rising cost of sugar, its negative press, and increasing pressure from the FDA, USDA, and the Truth in Labeling Act, many formulators are eager to innovate by enhancing the potency of sugar in their formulas. However, balancing consumer demand for reduced sugar with the need to maintain sweetness and product quality is a challenging task.
There may be an all-or-nothing, “throw the baby out with the bathwater” mentality in the zero sugar added space, but there are some real advantages in targeting sugar reduction instead of sugar removal.
Here are a few considerations.
Maintaining sweetness: High intensity sweeteners and sweetness modulators are much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness. This allows formulators to reduce the sugar content significantly while maintaining the desired level of sweetness in the product.
Calorie reduction: High intensity sweeteners and sweetness modulators can function as low or zero calorie sweeteners, which can help reduce the overall calorie content of the product. This is beneficial for consumers who are looking to manage their calorie and sugar intake, such as those trying to lose weight or control their blood sugar levels as is the case with consumers using GLP-1 agonists.
Texture and mouthfeel: Sugar plays a crucial role in providing texture, bulk, and mouthfeel to many food products. Augmenting high intensity sweeteners, sweetness modulators, and fibers can help preserve these characteristics even when reducing or eliminating sugar, providing a more satisfying eating experience for consumers.
Reduced impact on blood sugar levels: High intensity sweeteners, and sweetness modulators are non-nutritive and do not raise blood sugar levels, making them suitable for consumers with diabetes, keto or low carb dieters, or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.
Cost-effective: While high intensity sweeteners and sweetness modulators may be more expensive per unit than sugar, their intense sweetness means that smaller quantities are needed, which can make them cost-effective in the long run. Considering the sky rocketing price of sugar, this can save you money and stretch your dollar.
Using sweetness modulators in tandem with high intensity sweeteners in sugar reduction offers a way to create products that are lower in sugar and calories while still satisfying consumers’ desire for sweetness.
Sweetness Modulators:
In the food science world, while we’re all familiar with high-intensity sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia, there’s another tool you can use to reduce added sugars on the nutritional label: sweetness modulators, also known as positive allosteric modulators in scientific terms. These often consist of specific glycosides combined with sweet protein-based compounds, such as thaumatin. Thaumatin, derived from the katemfe fruit, can be up to 2,000 times sweeter than sugar. It is particularly effective as a sweetness modulator and is labeled as a natural flavor.
Incorporating a sweetness modulator into your formulations can enhance the perception of sweetness, allowing food technologists to use less sugar without compromising on flavor.
Here are some considerations when employing these magical molecules.
When you dive into the realm of sweetness modulation, you will quickly discover how you can optimize sweetness levels while maximizing the impact of sugar in your formulations. Here’s a guide on how to elevate your formulations with a sweetness modulator.
Understanding Sweetness Modulators: Sweetness modulators, PAMs, positive allosteric modulators are compounds that interact with taste buds to enhance or suppress the perception of sweetness. These molecules can make sugar taste sweeter than it actually is, allowing formulators to reduce the amount of sugar in formulas while still achieving the desired level of sweetness.
Choosing the Right Sweetness Modulator: There are various sweetness modulators available on the market, each with its unique properties and applications. Common sweetness modulators may include particular steviol glycosides from stevia, particular mogrosides from monk fruit extract, and thaumatin. Experiment with different modulators to find the one that best complements your formula and taste preferences.
Balancing Sweetness and Flavor: When using a sweetness modulator, it’s essential to strike a balance between sweetness and flavor. While sweetness is crucial, it’s equally important to maintain the overall taste profile of your formular. Consider how the sweetness modulator interacts with other ingredients to ensure a harmonious flavor experience.
Gradually Titrate Down Sugar Content: Start by incorporating a sweetness modulator alongside your usual sugar content. As you become more comfortable with the modulator’s effects, gradually reduce the amount of sugar in your formulas. Monitor the sweetness levels and adjust as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
Experiment and Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sweetness modulators and formula variations. Try combining multiple modulators for a unique flavor profile or explore innovative ways to maximize sweetness while minimizing sugar content. The possibilities are endless!
Selecting the Ideal Sweetness Modulator: When incorporating a sweetness modulator into your formulations, it’s crucial to choose the right one that aligns with your product goals. Consider factors such as flavor profile, stability, and regulatory approval when selecting a modulator to ensure seamless integration into your formulas. Icon Foods’ ThauSweet DRM sweetness modulator builds its foundation from a novel protein based sweetening compound extracted from the katemfe fruit found in West Africa. Combined with organic Reb M stevia leaf extract and cassava root fiber, this powerhouse combo will revolutionize the way you approach you clean label formulations. When combined with a reduced amount of sugar in your formulas, ThauSweet DRM can enhance the overall flavor profile and extend sugar and flavors that might otherwise taste muted. ThauSweet DRM boasts incredible potency in enhancing sugar’s natural sweetening properties. This means you can use a fraction of the amount of sugar typically required in your formulars while still achieving that desirable level of sweetness. With ThauSweet DRM as your secret ingredient, you can create healthier products without compromising on taste or mouthfeel.
Optimizing Sweetness and Cost Efficiency: By leveraging sweetness modulators like ThauSweet DRM effectively, you can enhance the sweetness of your products while minimizing the reliance on sugar. This not only results in cost savings but also enables you to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking reduced-sugar options without compromising on taste.
Fine-Tuning Formulations for Maximum Impact: Experiment with different concentrations and combinations of sweetness modulators to achieve the desired sweetness profile in your formulations. Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to ensure that the modified formulas meet taste expectations while offering a superior sensory experience.
Staying Ahead of Trends and Innovations: Keep abreast of the latest advancements in sweetness modulation technology and industry trends to stay competitive in the ever-evolving food market. Embrace innovation and creativity in your formulations to develop unique and appealing products that resonate with consumers seeking healthier and more flavorful options.
With the strategic integration of sweetness modulators like ThauSweet DRM into your food formulations, you can enhance sweetness perception, optimize sugar usage, and create products that resonate with today’s discerning consumers. Embrace the transformative power of sweetness modulation and embark on a journey towards crafting exceptional, healthier, and more flavorful food experiences.
ThauSweet DRM is a cutting-edge GRAS ingredient that can amplify the perception of sweetness in food products, allowing you to achieve desired sweetness levels with reduced sugar content. ThauSweet DRM is a game-changing solution for enhancing taste while addressing consumer preferences for healthier options.
Reach out to your Icon Foods representative for ThauSweet DRM sweetness modulator samples, documentation, and usage guidance.
