Dutch plant-based ingredient manufacturer, Fooditive Group, has developed a plant-based sweetener as a functional sugar alternative – Keto-Fructose (5-keto-D-fructose).
Derived from apples and pears through an exclusive fermentation process, the Keto-Fructose sweetener closely mimics the flavour profile of sugar. By utilising waste side-streams from apple and pear processing to produce the sweetener, the company can create a sustainable and affordable product which minimises environmental impact.
Fooditive Group claims the ingredient offers unparalleled taste and sustainability, allowing companies to create healthier products with all the functionalities of sugar. It is currently undergoing FDA GRAS assessment, ready to debut in the US market.
The company is currently involved in negotiations with major food and beverage manufacturers, and seeking partnerships with distributors and industry innovators to showcase Keto-Fructose in more products.
Fooditive Group CEO, Moayad Abushokhedim, said that the Keto-Fructose sweetener goes beyond replicating the sweetness of sugar.
“Fooditive understands the challenges associated with replacing sugar, and we recognize that the effectiveness of a sugar alternative is not solely measured by taste.
“Its additional functionality enables seamless use in applications and reflects our dedication to meeting the real needs of food manufacturers with forward-thinking solutions,” he said.
“Fooditive stands at the forefront of supporting the food industry’s desire to reduce sugar content while preserving the qualities that sugar adds to food products.
“This new sweetener embodies our spirit of innovation, our commitment to sustainability and health, and our mission to identify ingredients that fulfil the needs of American food producers and enable them to meet consumer demand for healthier products,” said Abushokhedim.
