In a world increasingly conscious of health and wellness, the food and beverage industry is under growing pressure to innovate. One key area of focus is sweetening optimization. According to a report by Innova Market Insights, sugar is the number one ingredient that consumers are trying to limit in their diets. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for manufacturers.

While sucrose has long been considered the gold standard for sweetening food and beverages, many substitutes are readily available to manufacturers. But in product formulations, these alternatives have various shortcomings compared to sucrose in terms of their taste and functionality. Additionally in May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) for controlling body weight or reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. This has further accentuated the need for low-calorie sugar alternatives that do not compromise on taste or functionality.

Enter Tagatose, a sweetener that is rapidly gaining traction as a viable alternative in product formulations.

Understanding Tagatose

Tagatose is a rare sugar found naturally in small quantities in dairy products and some fruits. It is a monosaccharide – not a sugar alcohol or artificial sweetener. Unlike other sugar substitutes, Tagatose closely mimics the sensory properties of sucrose, making it an excellent candidate for a wide range of food applications.

(C) ASR Group

Key Benefits of Using Tagatose

1. Tastes Like Sugar

Tagatose tastes closer to sucrose than many other sweetener alternatives. It is 90% as sweet, and it can be used as a direct replacement for sucrose in food and beverages. Tagatose performs well in a wide variety of applications, including confectionery, frozen desserts, beverages, dairy, baked goods, and protein bars.

2.  Reduced Caloric Intake

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Tagatose is its significantly lower calorie content. Tagatose contains 60% fewer calories than sucrose, making it an attractive option for calorie-conscious consumers. According to Innova Market Insights, weight management is the leading physical health concern among Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X consumers*, so reducing calories without sacrificing taste is a win-win scenario for both consumers and manufacturers.

2. Low Glycemic Index

Tagatose has a glycemic index (GI) of only 3, compared to 65 for sucrose. This low GI means Tagatose does not cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels when consumed alone, so it is suitable for low GI products. It is also Ketogenic Certified and ideal for use in keto products.

3. Prebiotic Benefits

Studies show that Tagatose has prebiotic properties, and for this reason, it is the first and only sweetener to achieve NutraStrong™ Prebiotic Verified certification. For products featuring prebiotic claims, Tagatose is an excellent sweetener choice since it can further reinforce those claims, appealing to consumers seeking functional benefits in their food and beverages.

4. Versatility in Applications

One of the standout features of Tagatose is its versatility. It looks nearly identical to granulated sugar and can be used as a direct replacement for sucrose in a wide variety of applications, including baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and confectionery. Tagatose not only closely mimics the sweetness of sugar, but it also performs similarly in terms of texture, browning, and moisture retention. These similarities make it easier for manufacturers to reformulate existing products without compromising on quality.

5. Direct Replacement for Sugar

Unlike some other sugar alternatives that require complex reformulation, Tagatose can be used as a direct replacement for sugar. This simplifies the product development process and reduces the time and cost associated with bringing new products to market. For manufacturers, the ability to seamlessly integrate Tagatose into existing formulations is a significant advantage.

(C) ASR Group

Implementation in Product Formulations

Integrating Tagatose into product formulations can be a fairly straightforward process for food manufacturers due to its comparable physical and chemical properties to sucrose. Here are some considerations for food manufacturers when formulating with Tagatose:

1. Baked Goods

In baking, Tagatose provides browning and caramelization effects, unlike sugar alcohols and high potency sweeteners. This makes it an ideal sole sweetener for cookies, cakes, and pastries. Its ability to retain moisture helps to ensure that baked goods remain soft and fresh.

2. Beverages

For beverages, Tagatose dissolves easily and maintains its sweetness at various temperatures. Whether it is used in a hot coffee or a chilled soda, Tagatose can be used to create delicious, low-calorie drinks. It also has bulking properties that help create body and a mouthfeel that is comparable to sucrose.

3. Dairy Products

Tagatose can enhance the flavor and texture of dairy products like yogurt and ice cream. In ice cream, it helps with freezing point depression, so ice creams are scoopable at typical ice cream serving temperatures. Its prebiotic benefits complement the probiotics found in many yogurts, and manufacturers that use Tagatose in their formulations can apply to gain access to the NutraStrong™ Prebiotic Verified certification.

4. Confectionery

In confectionery, Tagatose can be an ideal choice to sweeten low calorie and low GI candies and chocolates since it has comparable sweetness to sucrose. Unlike high potency sweeteners, Tagatose provides both bulk and sweetness in candies and chocolates to maintain flavor and mouthfeel that is similar to sucrose. It also does not promote tooth decay.

Conclusion

(C) ASR Group

Tagatose presents a promising solution for the food and beverage industry. For food manufacturers looking to stay ahead of the curve, integrating Tagatose into product formulations can meet consumer demand while ensuring product quality and taste. The future of sweetening alternatives is here, and Tagatose is leading the way.

Ready to explore how Tagatose can revolutionize your product offerings? Contact ASR Group to learn more about how our innovative sweetening solutions can help you bring new products to market.