Nestlé introduces new sugar reduction technology

Nestlé has introduced a breakthrough technology that reduces intrinsic sugars in key ingredients.

The versatile and cost-effective technology can be applied across different product categories, with benefits beyond sugar reduction, the company said. It can also be used to produce low lactose and skimmed milk-based products, while reducing total sugars.

Using an enzymatic process, it reduces intrinsic sugar in ingredients such as malt, milk, and fruit juices by up to 30 per cent, with a minimal impact on taste and texture. The sugar-reduced ingredients are then used in recipes for various products. There is no need to add sweeteners or bulking agents to replace the volume of the eliminated sugar.

When applied to milk-based products, the patented sugar reduction method also increases prebiotic fibers, Nestlé said, adding that the first clinical studies have shown that these fibers can support the growth of multiple types of beneficial bacteria leading to a favorable microbiome composition in healthy adults.

“Sugar reduction across our portfolio remains a top priority. This new technology is a true breakthrough, as we can reduce sugar without adding sweeteners while preserving a great taste, all at a minimal cost increase,” Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer, said.

“In addition, our scientists discovered that the sugar reduction generates prebiotic fibers that support the microbiome, which is an additional benefit. We are now accelerating the global roll-out across formats and categories.”

The sugar reduction was first piloted in cocoa and malt-based ready-to-drink beverages in Southeast Asia and over the past year, Nestlé has already introduced it in factory lines for cocoa and malt-based powdered beverages such as Milo across several countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Since 2021, the sugar reduction technology has been applied to over 200 000 tons of cocoa and malt-based beverages, the company revealed.

The roll-out continues, and other product categories such as dairy powders will follow, it added.