Foodtech start-up CarobWay will introduce its clean-label, low glycemic index (GI) sweetener at IFT FIRST 2023 in Chicago. The company will demonstrate the new sweetener in a gummy and energy bar prototypes to highlight the sweetener’s capabilities.
CarobWay’s new sweetener is derived from whole carob fruit and promotes wellbeing in addition to providing sweetness.
“Our natural sugar replacer provides a holistic solution based on all the goodness found in carob,” said Udi Alroy, CEO and Co-Founder of CarobWay. “You can plug it easily into almost any food and beverage application. Thanks to our extensive dendrological research, we chose specific varieties of the carob tree that grow locally and whose fruit provides a mild, pleasing caramel flavour. Many carob sweeteners can have a faint bitter note, but CarobWay’s sweetener is clean and flavourful. “This zero-waste sweetener is made from deseeded pods and available as a syrup.”
CarobWay has sustainability at the forefront of everything it does, as carob has carbon storage capabilities and grows well in marginal lands. The company runs a vertically integrated operation from farm to fork and is committed to fairtrade practices while ensuring a stable supply chain.
Eliminating waste and preserving the goodness of carob, it uses the entire fruit, seeds and pulp, to create ingredients for food, food supplements and cosmetics.
The composition of the sweetener includes various sugars plus the polyol D-pinitol as well as trace soluble fibres and polyphenols. D-Pinitol, with a sweetness about 50% that of sucrose, a naturally occurring compound found in plants and in carob fruit.
Research has shown that people who consumed D-pinitol rich carob syrup and powder had lower blood glucose levels compared to the control group, according to a study conducted in 2022. The researchers suggest this effect could be owed to its possible insulin-like function, and strong natural antidiabetic and insulin regulating abilities. But it also has shown promise as an active anti-Alzheimer, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, plus capacity as supporting immunity and liver health.
CarobWay conducted their own bioavailability study using the SHIME in vitro model, a simulation system that mimics the conditions and functionality of the human digestive system, allowing researchers to study the enzymatic activity on food compounds when it meets the stomach and small intestines.
“This is good news for prediabetics who desire to enjoy pastry confections and sweets,” explained Monica Colt, PhD, Scientific Director for CarobWay. “The study results of our carob ingredients are highly promising, and we are continuing to explore carob’s impressive values.” The start-up will showcase a plant-based energy bar and gummies with CarobWay sweetener.
“Consumers are seeking clean CPG products that are better-for-you, and kind to the planet,” added Alroy. “It is not enough to provide natural sweetness. CarobWay’s sweetener is a natural, single ingredient to help food and beverage companies to attain a cleaner label for their products. We welcome visitors to IFT to taste our sweetener in a variety of applications and discover the full benefits of CarobWay sweetener. It can replace up to 100% of the sugars in the energy bar and about 40% of the sugars in gummies. Both demonstration products are plant-based and non-GMO, appealing to consumers who want an enjoyable treat with a purpose.”
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