Excitement on the Natural Front – Jungbunzlauer’s Erythritol Now Calorie Free

Erythritol, the most natural sugar alcohol and the one having the highest digestive tolerance and the lowest glycemic index of all polyols available has now received the blessings of the European Commission for zero calorie labelling.

09/12/08 The European approval of erythritol in 2006 has been a milestone in the sweeteners market. Now, 2 years later the next milestone has been achieved. Erythritol, the most natural sugar alcohol and the one having the highest digestive tolerance and the lowest glycemic index of all polyols available has now received the blessings of the European Commission for zero calorie labelling.

Formerly, erythritol carried the same conversion factor as other polyols: 2.4 kcal/g. By using that standard level, the Commission explains, the consumer would not be fully informed about the reduced energy value of erythritol. The secret of it is its small molecular weight that causes a different metabolic behaviour compared to the established polyols such as Sorbitol or Maltitol. Jungbunzlauer’s erythritol delivers less than 0.2 kcal/g according to the findings of the SCF in 2003.

The Commission finally translated this great feature into Directive 2008/100/EC, enabling the industry to significantly improve the current offer on low calorie products. But not only the calories make erythritol interesting, it also contributes well to taste, digestive tolerance, toothfriendliness and the natural status.