26 Jun 2012 --- Nutrinova, the global sweetener and preservative business of Celanese Corporation (CE), has launched the new Sunsation platform to help food and beverage manufacturers develop low- and no-calorie products that are better tasting. The first product in the platform is Sunsation Sunett SL, a sweetener system for sugar-reduced or sugar-free food and beverage products. Sunsation Sunett SL is a step change from Nutrinova’s current Sunett sweetener which is used in more than 5,000 food, beverage and pharmaceutical products.

Nutrinova created the Sunsation platform to fill a need in the industry for better tasting zero-calorie sweetened products. It simplifies the formulation process so manufacturers can bring products to market faster. In the past, manufacturers have managed multiple sweetener ingredients and iterative combinations to create the desired taste profile. The Sunsation platform’s approach provides manufacturers with drop-in solutions in which the individual ingredients have been selected to complement one another.

“We’re working closely with our customers to support their need to continually develop better-tasting products,” said Diana Peninger, general manager, Nutrinova. “We have leveraged our sweetener expertise to develop the most innovative drop-in sweetener solutions that address consumer trends and needs.”

All of the materials used in Sunsation platform products are approved for use in food and beverage applications in most geographies to provide manufacturers with maximum flexibility, regardless of location.

Sunsation Sunett SL

The first drop-in solution under the new platform is Sunsation Sunett SL, a sweetener for sugar-reduced or sugar-free beverages and dairy products. The Sunsation Sunett SL system includes Sunett, other high intensity sweeteners, and specialty ingredients that have been combined to provide a clean, sweet taste that is closer to sugar versus similar products. This allows manufacturers the latitude to enhance other aspects of their products. Sunsation Sunett SL may also increase the perception of certain flavor notes.

Sunsation Sunett SL can be immediately used in a broad range of products including carbonated and energy drinks, skinny cocktail mixers and powdered drink mixes, yogurt, and other dairy products. It can also be used in juices, lemonade and punches.

“Customer reaction to Sunsation Sunett SL has been extremely positive,” said Peninger. “As competition increases for the consumer, our customers are looking for better ways to differentiate their products. Having a low- or no-calorie sweetener that has that targeted sugar taste helps them achieve that.”

Sensory tests by ISI, an international sensory analysis company, confirmed that Sunsation Sunett SL significantly improves the sweetness of sugar-reduced and sugar-free products. In addition, users reported a significantly improved mouthfeel, which is the tactile sensation food or drinks give to the mouth.