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Jul 23

Sucralose, Saccharin, Aspartame, Stevia, or Xylitol? Natural Sweetener or Artificial Sweetener? What is the Best Alternative to Reduce Added Sugars and Comply with the New Labeling According to RDC 42

EdulTAZ: Meeting ANVISA’s New Labeling Regulations with an Innovative Sugar Substitute


ANVISA, the National Health Surveillance Agency, has been implementing various changes in food labeling rules since 2022 through the Collegiate Board Resolution 429 (RDC 429/2020) and the Normative Instruction 75 (IN 75/2020). These changes significantly impact the food industry, making information more accessible to consumers, especially regarding added sugars.


For food manufacturers, this means finding alternatives that do not compromise taste or consumer health. In this context, the EdulTAZ sweetener line stands out as the best alternative to sugar, offering an identical taste without aftertaste and perfectly adhering to the new labeling standards.





Before that, let’s recap some of the main topics on the subject.


A Summary of RDC 429 and IN 75 on Sugars

RDC 429/2020 and IN 75/2020 establish new rules for the nutritional labeling of foods in Brazil. Here is a summary of the main points:

  1. Declaration of Added Sugars:

    • The nutrition table must state the amount of added sugars, in addition to total sugars.

  2. Legibility of the Nutrition Table:

    • The nutrition table must have a white background with black letters, located near the list of ingredients, on a continuous surface, and be easy to view.

  3. Mandatory Information:

    • Energy value, number of servings per package, and quantity of nutrients per 100 grams or 100 ml of the product.

  4. Front Labeling:

    • Products high in sugar, saturated fat, or sodium must display alerts on the front of the package with a standardized design.

  5. Rules for Added Sugar in Different Types of Foods:

    • Solid or semi-solid products must display a "high in added sugar" label if they contain 15 grams or more of added sugars per 100 grams.

    • Liquid products must display the label if they contain 7.5 grams or more of added sugars per 100 ml.

  6. Compliance Deadlines:

    • Products launched before October 2022 have until October 2023 to comply. Small farmers and micro-entrepreneurs have until October 2024, and non-alcoholic beverages in returnable packaging until October 2025.


The Impact of the Added Sugar Label on Consumers

Nutritional labeling has become increasingly relevant to consumers, especially regarding added sugars. Scientific studies conducted by international institutions, such as The George Institute for Global Health in Australia, synthesize a series of tests carried out by various authors and demonstrate that the most targeted item by consumers is added sugar when considering purchasing a product. The response is unanimous: the added sugar label is an important variable for the purchase decision.

Additionally, studies published by the National Library of Medicine in the United States and conducted in Brazil have shown that the presence of high-added sugar labeling tends to significantly reduce the consumption of items with this characteristic. This impact on purchase highlights the effectiveness of labeling as a public health tool to promote healthier food choices.

A study conducted with participants from the southern region of Brazil found that approximately 63% of people consider labeling when choosing to buy products with different labels. In other words, 63% of people tend to opt for items without the added sugar label at the time of purchase, reinforcing the importance of this information on consumer behavior.


Common Types of Sweeteners in Formulations

Let's explore the most common types of sweeteners used in the food industry:

  1. Saccharin

    • One of the oldest artificial sweeteners, saccharin is approximately 300-400 times sweeter than sugar but can leave a metallic aftertaste. Some studies link sodium saccharin to cancer cases in rodent studies, but there is no evidence in humans of this phenomenon (CDC United States).

  2. Sucralose

    • About 600 times sweeter than sugar, sucralose is heat-stable and widely used in baked goods and beverages. However, if used alone, it doesn't fully satisfy the palate and cannot mimic the sensations of sugar.

  3. Aspartame

    • Approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, aspartame is used in a variety of products but is not heat-stable, which limits its use in baked or cooked products. Furthermore, according to the WHO, high daily consumption is linked to cancer cases.

  4. Stevia

    • A natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, it is about 200-300 times sweeter than sugar and has zero calories. The major disadvantage is its bitter taste, which complicates the rounding of food formulations.

  5. Xylitol

    • A sugar alcohol that has approximately 60-70% of the sweetness of sugar, with a lower glycemic impact and side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses.


For a deeper understanding of different sweeteners and their applications, check out our blog articles:

  • Unveiling the Role of Sugar in the Food Industry

  • Challenges and Innovations in Sugar-Free Beverage Formulation

  • Aspartame: The WHO Alert and Healthier Alternatives


An Effective Solution: The EdulTAZ Development Line

EdulTAZ is a development by Total Ingredientes in the relentless search for a sugar substitute that is Food Safe and Human Safe. After years of development, it was possible to create a high-performance sweetener that stands out for several reasons:

  1. High Concentration and Sweetening Power

    • EdulTAZ is concentrated and has a sweetening power 300 times greater than sugar, allowing for efficient substitution without compromising taste.

  2. Zero Glycemic Index

    • Ideal for consumers looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels, including diabetics and people on weight-control diets.

  3. Balanced Formulation

    • Containing Sucralose, Acesulfame-K, and organic palatability ingredients, EdulTAZ offers a synergy that reproduces the taste of sugar without its negative effects. By balancing Sucralose and Acesulfame-K with an organic palatabilizer, the perfect substitute for sugar can be created in both taste and palate-filling sensation.

  4. Cost Reduction

    • By applying EdulTAZ in food formulations, a reduction of up to 30% in formulation costs can be achieved compared to using traditional sugar.

  5. Ready to Use

    • EdulTAZ is a ready-to-use product, requiring no additional formulations or mixtures, simplifying the manufacturing process.

Additional Benefits of EdulTAZ:

  1. Heat Stability

    • Unlike some sweeteners, EdulTAZ retains its sweetness and stability when heated, making it perfect for use in baked goods and confectionery.

  2. Versatility

    • It can be used in a wide range of products, including beverages, desserts, dairy, and baked goods, adapting to various formulation needs.

  3. Compliance with RDC 429

    • By using EdulTAZ, companies can ensure that their products comply with the new nutritional labeling requirements, facilitating adaptation to the new standards without losing market competitiveness.


EdulTAZ Application Case Study in Soft Drinks

Challenge: A company in the soft drink sector sought an alternative to sugar to reduce the caloric content of its products and meet consumer demands. However, the company feared losing the flavor that established its brand and attracting new palates.

Solution: The company partnered with Total Ingredientes in a development project using EdulTAZ technology, an innovative sweetener that combines high sweetness, zero glycemic index, and a taste identical to sugar.

Results:

  • The Flavor: The new soda with EdulTAZ won consumers over with an unparalleled taste, maintaining the brand’s identity and surprising with an even more refreshing touch.

  • Health First: The version with EdulTAZ presented a 45% reduction in calories, making it an irresistible option for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

  • Resounding Success: Sales of the new soda increased, exceeding the most optimistic expectations and solidifying the brand as a leader in innovation and commitment to well-being.

  • Company Image: The company established itself as a reference, attracting new consumers.

Lessons Learned:

  • Flavor is Key: Even with a focus on health, consumers do not give up on a striking flavor. EdulTAZ guaranteed the original characteristics that established the brand, winning new palates and retaining existing customers.

  • Innovation is the Key to Success: The company stood out in the market by betting on an innovative product that meets the demands of modern consumers.

  • EdulTAZ became a competitive differentiator, boosting sales and consolidating the brand as a reference in quality and flavor.

  • Health and Well-being in Focus: The company demonstrated its commitment to consumer health and well-being, offering a product with fewer calories without compromising on taste. Furthermore, it managed to differentiate itself in the market by maintaining a product with original flavor but without the added sugar label



Conclusions:

  1. Impact of RDC 429 on the Food Industry

    • ANVISA’s new regulation, RDC 429, requires clear declaration of added sugars and other nutritional information on food labels in Brazil, aiming to better inform consumers.

  2. Consumer Preferences

    • Studies show that the presence of the added sugar label significantly influences consumer purchase decisions.

  3. Types of Sweeteners

    • Saccharin, Sucralose, Aspartame, Stevia, and Xylitol are common options. Each has unique characteristics in terms of taste, heat stability, and health impact, as demonstrated by studies and regulations.

  4. Efficient Solution: EdulTAZ

    • Developed by Total Ingredientes, EdulTAZ is a high-performance sweetener that offers a taste identical to sugar without aftertaste, meeting new labeling standards. It is ideal for reducing calories in products like soft drinks, maintaining authentic flavor, and attracting new health-conscious consumers.

  5. Success Case

    • The application of EdulTAZ in soft drinks resulted in a significant calorie reduction without compromising taste, increasing sales and consolidating the brand as a leader in innovation and health in the market.

Additional References:

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