Cargill Collaborates with Sentosa Taiwan to Introduce Zero Calorie Sweetener

Unlike other polyols which have lower tolerance with a laxative effect, Zerose erythritol is well-tolerated. As a result, foods containing erythritol are unlikely to cause gas or laxation when consumed at customary serving sizes.

31 Jul 2009 Cargill Health and Nutrition has collaborated with Sentosa Taiwan, to launch a sugar-free sweetener, Sentosa Zero Calories Tabletop. A zero-calorie bulk sweetener, Sentosa Zero Calories Tabletop is made from Zerose erythritol, a natural, non-caloric bulk sweetener alternative to sugar.

"Today's discerning consumers are seeking to reduce their overall sugar consumption and food manufacturers are taking steps to respond to consumer demands for foods that meet their weight management goals. Our co-branding effort with Sentosa Taiwan has enabled them to service an identified gap in the local consumer health market. This effort also marks the possibility for further collaborative efforts between Cargill and our customers to educate consumers on the advantages of Zerose erythritol," said Janie Wong, Marketing and Communications Manager - Asia Pacific, Cargill Health & Nutrition.

Sentosa's Tong-Yang Wu said the company has long been working to develop dietary foods, and to extend nutritional education throughout Taiwan. "A key business objective for our company is to provide quality products that make a contribution to the nation's health - one example of this is our Sentosa Zero Calories Tabletop, made possible through our collaboration with Cargill Health and Nutrition," said Wu.

Erythritol, also known as polyol or sugar alcohol, is a white crystalline powder that is odourless, with a clean sweet taste that is similar to sucrose. Unlike other polyols which have lower tolerance with a laxative effect, Zerose erythritol is well-tolerated. As a result, foods containing erythritol are unlikely to cause gas or laxation when consumed at customary serving sizes.

"Zerose erythritol appeals to consumers who want to manage their weight or sugar intake because although it tastes like sugar, Zerose erythritol has zero calories and no aftertaste, making it a useful sugar alternative for people," said Wong.

Zerose erythritol is a multifunctional sweetener used amongst a diverse range of product categories and industries, from chewy candies, lozenges, jellies, flavoured waters and milk, and a wide range of pharmaceuticals such as solid and liquid formulations.

Since the product was launched, Sentosa Taiwan has delivered a number of product samples and information via various channels such as drugstores, hospitals, and dietitian associations. With a sweetness intensity 60 to 70 percent that of sucrose, Zerose erythritol can be used on its own or in combination with higher intensity sweeteners as a bulk sweetener in a wide range of low-calorie indulgence foods, including bakery items, dairy-based desserts and, in particular, confectionery items.