Sucromalt, a novel carbohydrate that is similar to sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, has a slow carbohydrate release that provides a steady source of energy

The sweetener product category has recently become far too complex to be simply represented by different colored tabletop packets.  There are variations on traditional sugar formulas, stevia-based natural sweeteners like Truvia® and sweetener ingredient combinations that provide functional benefits or cost savings. Sucromalt, unlike most other sweeteners, is slowly digested and absorbed therefore providing a steady source of fuel.   

The carbohydrates in sucromalt deliver the same calories as sugar but, importantly, glucose release when sucromalt is digested and absorbed occurs at a slower and more sustained rate.  Thus, sucromalt provides a more balanced release of energy in the body compared to the more rapidly digested and absorbed carbohydrates we are more accustomed to with sweeteners.   

Xtend® sucromalt can be used in a broad array of formulations:

• nutrition bars
• beverages
• ice cream and other dairy products
• jams and jellies
• puddings and gelatins
• yogurts

Xtend® sucromalt functions in food and beverage systems like other syrup sweeteners.  It is a completely-digestible carbohydrate syrup that contains 4 kcal/g. It is characterized by a clean, sweet taste and is produced using a proprietary enzymatic process that converts sucrose and maltose into a carbohydrate mixture. It is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) based on scientific procedures and a no objection letter issued by the United State Food and Drug Administration in 2009. 

Sucromalt is fully digested and absorbed by healthy adults and children, as demonstrated by several clinical studies. Several studies, an exploratory study in ileostomy subjects, a breath hydrogen study and a gastrointestinal tolerance study were all conducted and showed that sucromalt is well tolerated and that it was almost completely absorbed in the small intestine within 12 hours of ingestion.      

If you are considering developing formulations that include a steady source of fuel and lower sugar content, sucromalt can be a great fit. If substituted directly for carbohydrates such as sucrose and HFCS, the amount of sugar listed on the Nutritional Facts label will decrease because only 50% of sucromalt’s constituent carbohydrates are claimed as “sugars” (mono and disaccharides). 

Sucromalt can also contribute to reduced glycemic response in both adults with Type 2 diabetes and those without. Several studies have recently been conducted to show that the use of sucromalt in place of other common nutritive sweeteners provides the benefit of a reduced glycemic and insulinemic response in the body.