Icon Foods has launched TagaLite, a tagatose sweetener designed to deliver sugar-like functionality and sweetness without being declared as an added sugar on the Nutrition Facts Panel. As Dairy Foods reports, the launch follows an FDA clarification that tagatose no longer needs to be listed as an added sugar, opening new doors for reduced-sugar and better-for-you formulations.
“The FDA clarification significantly changes the formulation landscape for tagatose as a primary sweetener across better-for-you categories,” said Thom King, chief innovations officer at Icon Foods. “The FDA clarification removes that barrier and creates new opportunities for brands looking to reduce sugar.”
Tagatose is a rare sugar naturally found in small quantities in dairy products. It delivers around 90% of sucrose’s sweetness with a near-identical sweetness curve, roughly 60% fewer calories, a low glycemic response and prebiotic benefits for gut bacteria. It also replicates key functional properties of sucrose — browning, bulk and texture.
TagaLite supports diabetic-, keto- and GLP-1-friendly product development. In frozen systems, it contributes freeze-point depression and ice crystallisation control for smoother, creamier, reduced-sugar textures. In baked goods, its Maillard participation delivers golden colour and flavour similar to sucrose.
“Formulators can rebuild sugar’s role in texture, browning, bulk and freeze control, with a clean sweetness that behaves like sugar in real-world applications,” King added.
Source: Dairy Foods
