BENEO Healthy and Sweet Functional Carbohydrates

Palatinose™ (isomaltulose), produced from pure beet sugar, is the new functional carbohydrate marketed by BENEO.

Its sensory profile closely resembles that of sugar and is about half as sweet.

This mild, natural sweetness is not marred by any unpleasant side-taste or after-taste. Palatinose™ replaces sugar in a 1:1 ratio and can be processed in exactly the same way.

Fully digestible, low glycemic carbohydrate

Palatinose™ is the only fully digestible, low glycemic carbohydrate that provides prolonged energy in the form of glucose – essential for mental and physical performance. Being low glycemic and low insulinemic, it helps to improve fat oxidation during physical activity which leads to a higher proportion of energy expenditure from lipids and thus to a prolonged energy supply. Due to its stabilised molecular bond it also doesn’t harm tooth enamel.

Non-fermentable, acid-stable carbohydrate

As a non-fermentable carbohydrate, it stabilises the food matrix against bacterial spoilage. As it is also acid-resistant, beverages with Palatinose™ are very stable, so shelf-life stability is optimised and osmolality can be maintained (in sports beverages, for example). The functional carbohydrate is non-hygroscopic so it does not cake and remains dry and free-flowing. This means that it is very readily processed both into ready-to-drink and instant beverages.

Its nutritional and technological benefits make Palatinose™ particularly suitable for all sports beverages, providing the enduring energy that athletes need. Besides sports nutrition it can also be used in wellness and energy beverages as well as in functional dairy, tea, and in beer. Moreover, it is highly suitable for confectionery, baby food, nutritional and cereal bars.

Sugar beet-derived sugar replacer

The sugar replacer ISOMALT is the only polyol derived from sugar beet. It has a stable molecular structure so the body’s enzymes metabolise ISOMALT partially and much more slowly, resulting on one hand in a lower increase of blood glucose and insulin levels, giving ISOMALT the very low glycemic index of 2 (±1), and on the other hand in a low-caloric value of only 2kcal/g. Moreover, its stable molecular structure helps to prevent tooth decay.

Low-hygroscopic and sugar-like bulk sweetener

Derived from sugar beet it has a sugar-like and mild sweetness devoid of any after-taste and without any distracting cooling effect. Thus, it enhances delicately flavoured fruity sweets better than other sugar replacers. However, if a cooling effect is desired, it can be achieved by the addition of flavours and cooling agents. Furthermore, it is very similar to sugar, as the white crystalline raw material replaces sugar in a 1:1 mass ratio and is used where not only the sweetness but the texture and mouthfeel of sugar is required. Moreover, being low-hygroscopic ISOMALT can be easily stored and end products don’t absorb humid air or melt in summer temperatures.

Due to the named physiological and technical properties it can be used in a wide range of high-quality products such as candies, chewing gums, baked goods, chocolate or fruit spreads. Currently, more than 2,000 products are made with ISOMALT worldwide, and in the sugar-free hard candies segment, ISOMALT is the number one ingredient around the globe.

BENEO – a leading manufacturer of functional carbohydrates

ISOMALT and Palatinose™ are both marketed by BENEO, one of the leading manufacturers for functional carbohydrates. The company offers a comprehensive product portfolio consisting of ingredients with nutritional and technical advantages, derived from chicory roots, beet sugar and rice.

BENEO is the ideal partner to help improve the health (weight management, energy for mental and physical performance, digestive, bone and dental health), taste, texture and nutritional value (fat and sugar replacement / fibre enrichment) of a product. Through a unique chain of expertise, including the BENEO-Institute, BENEO actively supports industry partners in the development of more balanced and healthy food products.