Within its overriding theme “The Power of Less,” BENEO used last year’s HiE to focus on balancing blood sugar levels. The company demonstrated how its ingredients can lower the blood glucose response of food and drinks and consequently contribute to healthy lifestyles. 

High glycemic diets have been linked to the increased incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and obesity. With consumers increasingly aware that low glycemic products contribute to healthy nutrition, the move to offerings that promote blood glucose management is gaining pace. In fact, in 2013 the number of worldwide launches with a low glycemic claim increased by almost 20% compared to 2012, with the UK leading the way for low glycemic NPD, with a 43% increase in new products with a low glycemic claim in 2013, compared to 2012.

Following the positive 13.5 EFSA health claims opinion for the low glycemic characteristics of its prebiotic fibers oligofructose and inulin, as well as health claim approvals for the functional carbohydrates, Palatinose™ (isomaltulose) and ISOMALT, BENEO showcased how these nutritional benefits can be translated into appealing product concepts:

Power Chews - Incorporating BENEO’s low glycemic carbohydrate, Palatinose™, these chews are not sticky and maintain their soft texture during shelf life. With a sugar-like, mild sweetness, Palatinose™ has been used in this formulation to bring down sucrose levels and achieve a slower rise in blood glucose.

Velvety Yo-fruit Sips  (pictured) - Containing BENEO’s ingredients Palatinose™ and Orafti®Synergy1 (oligofructose-enriched inulin), this fruit-flavored yogurt drink is low glycemic and a good source of fiber. While it is fat-free, the drink maintains a creamy mouthfeel thanks to BENEO’s rice starch.

“It is fascinating for BENEO to offer low glycemic products that can help to delay or even avoid the onset of diseases like type II diabetes, heart disease or obesity,” said Dominic Speleers, an executive member of the BENEO Board. “But such a benefit is only valuable if communicated and understood by the consumers. This is why BENEO will complete its package by undertaking European consumer research. This is being currently conducted by BENEO’s market research team and will look into the relevance, knowledge and understanding of the ‘low glycemic’ benefits of our functional carbohydrate Palatinose™ and prebiotic fibers. So far the results look very interesting.”

BENEO’s leadership in nutrition science and food application also was reflected in the official Hi and Ni Europe Conference program, which featured two presentations from BENEO experts:

•Christiaan Kalk, Senior Manager Nutrition Communication BENEO, addressed the potential of Palatinose™ and inulin-type fructans for blood sugar and weight management, in relation to consumer perception.

•Isabel Trogh, Customer Technical Support Manager BENEO, discussed technical solutions for sugar reduced products with great taste and texture.

For further information on BENEO and its ingredients, please visit: www.beneo.com and www.beneonews.com