Nutrinova, manufacturer of the high-intensity sweetener Sunett® (Acesulfame-K), has developed sweetener systems with Sunett® for a range of sauce applications. Sensory tests have shown that sauces and ketchup sweetened with blends containing Sunett® are virtually indistinguishable in terms of flavor from varieties with full sugar content. Examples of formulations and taste samples were presented at Nutrinova’s booth at F.I. Europe.

Since no single high-intensity sweetener has the same sweetness profile as sugar, Nutrinova is heavily engaged in developing application specific sweetener blends with Sunett® and making this know how available to customers. Nutrinova has now evaluated a range of blends for use in sauces and ketchup.

Sunett/Sucralose – Best blending opportunity
A blend of Sunett® and sucralose has proven particularly suitable as a sweetener in sauces, and ketchup. Sucralose, approved in the EU since 2004 – offers delayed sweetness onset with a lingering sweetness. This makes it ideal for blending with Sunett® which develops fast sweetness impact. The Sunett®/sucralose combination yields rapid onset and no lingering sweetness that is very similar to sugar.

While a suitable blend for each individual product is needed, Nutrinova has conducted several test series which have enabled the company to develop a whole range of sample formulations that will serve as the foundation for further development work. These can be used as a basis by manufacturers looking to fully or partially replace sugar.

Aspartame, which also works well in synergy with Sunett®, is of only limited use in this application area as it does not always meet the required stability criteria for processing and storage of sauces.

High solubility and high stability

Sunett® blends are effective in replacing sugar not only in beverages, but in sauces too, since Sunett® is stable in the pH-range 3 to 9 and is not changed by pasteurisation and sterilisation which require for example temperatures from about 80°C to 120°C. The stability of Sunett® in aqueous solutions with pH 3-4 (such as ketchup and sauces) has been successfully tested at 100°C for up to 60 minutes.

With Sunett® blends, these products remain stable throughout storage in all forms from liquid to dry and there is no reduction of sweetness. This is particularly important because sauces need to be suitable for long-term storage. Both Sunett® and sucralose are highly soluble. At ambient temperatures, Sunett® displays a solubility of 270 g per litre in water. During production, there is no need to adjust processes or parameters when replacing sugar with a Sunett® blend.

As a specialist in sweetener systems with Sunett®, Nutrinova offers support and advice on product development and optimisation and works with customers to develop the right blend tailored to the product and regulatory situation.

New claims open new markets
Since Sunett® contains no calories and is tooth-friendly, new marketing opportunities are possible depending on the product formulation and regulatory status.

These could range from ’reduced sugar’ or ’no sugar added’ to ’reduced calorie’.

Since the market for sauces as well as the market for sugar reduced and calorie reduced products is continually growing, there are new possibilities for manufacturers. The proportion of sugar often represents 20 per cent and in some cases up to 40 per cent of product weight. This means that up to 80 per cent of the calories in sauces are derived from sugar, mainly added sugar. When reducing the sugar content by using high-intensity sweeteners, significant cost-savings can be achieved.

If the proportion of sugar is reduced or eliminated completely, consumers can enjoy considerably healthier sauces - and sweetened with Sunett® blends means they won’t even notice any difference in taste.

Nutrinova is a leading international supplier of specialty ingredients for the food and beverage industries. The company invented Acesulfame K and markets this high intensity sweetener under the brand name Sunett®. Nutrinova is one of the world's largest producers of potassium sorbate and sorbic acid and is also active in the market for dietary fibres and omega-3 fatty acids. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, Nutrinova is present in all major markets.