Klaudia Volmer Product Manager at BENEO for functional carbohydrates, including isomalt and Palatinose™ products sits down with Kiran Grewal, Editor of KC for an interview on their stand at Fi Europe 2023
PalatinoseTM is a naturally sourced smart carbohydrate, providing full carbohydrate energy (4kcal/g) in a more balanced way thanks to its low-glycaemic profile. By improving fat oxidation during physical activity, it prolongs energy supply. At the Fi Europe show in Frankfurt (28-30 November 2023), Kiran Grewal sat down with Klaudia Volmer, Product Manager at BENEO for functional carbohydrates, to discuss the benefits of Palatinose™ and isomalt as sugar replacements.
“From a confectionery perspective, we also have two samples on hand. Although they may appear small and unremarkable at first glance, behind the scenes, they represent a significant powerhouse. We’ve coated our almonds with Palatinose™.
“We discovered that Palatinose™ crystallises rapidly, allowing for an improvement in the crystallisation process by up to 50% compared to standard sugar-based coatings. This enhancement isn’t limited to our coating alone but extends to chocolate coatings as well.
After a long day at work, I decided to try it myself. Almonds, known as brain food, were coated with Palatinose™, which is also recognised for providing an extra mood boost. Initially, it lacked a bit of sweetness, but with a second and third bite, I found it quite satisfying. It’s the kind of treat you crave after a prolonged day—neither too sweet nor too salty. It soon became one of our internal favourites, and everyone was eager to get their hands on some.”
“When discussing confectionery, sweetness becomes a focal point. Simultaneously, there is criticism surrounding sweetness and sugar. It’s challenging to envision sweetness disappearing entirely, but with Palatinose™, we have a product that was once sugar; however, it is also known for keeping blood sugar levels low. Palatinose™ emerges as a health underdog, exerting control over various aspects of our well-being, including immunity.
“Consider the scenario of winter, where you may be confined to an office or a trade show booth, not moving much, surrounded by people coughing and you enjoy cookies that rapidly elevate blood sugar levels. This immediate and short-term spike in blood sugar can disrupt the immune system. Opting for a low glycemic index (GI) or a substance with a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, such as Palatinose™, can act as a countermeasure. It assists in maintaining a balance in your blood sugar levels, especially in situations where there is a risk of disruption, contributing positively to your overall health.
“That’s just one part of the story. The effects of the immune system and blood sugar extend beyond what meets the eye. We’ve delved into aspects like heart health, conducting studies that reveal blood vessels can begin losing flexibility even before reaching the age of 20. This discovery is astounding. And Palatinose™, in addition to sustaining energy, has demonstrated positive effects on mood and memory in studies. In the end, it’s remarkable how such a small nut can hold such powerful benefits.
“For me, the concept has taken root, and we’ve also come up with the idea of introducing sachets. Personally, at home, I’ve completely replaced regular sugar with Palatinose™. As the holiday season approaches in Germany, and Christmas cookie baking begins, I exclusively use Palatinose™ in the recipes. This choice is particularly significant for me as a parent of two young children, aiming to prevent them from becoming accustomed to elevated sugar levels. Each sachet carries a distinct advantage of Palatinose™. One is dedicated to enhancing mental fitness, another focuses on regulating blood sugar, and there’s yet another emphasising immunity and cardiovascular health.
“A few months back, I had a meeting with a customer who shared a unique perspective. He expressed his commitment to developing products that he personally believes in and would use for the rest of his life. It’s truly a commendable approach to product development. In a similar vein, even though Palatinose™ falls under the category of sugars, it’s a distinct type of sugar that allows for indulgence while still providing notable benefits.”
Interesting what you said, earlier on, that you don’t think sugar would ever leave the industry. But it’s more the way it’s viewed, isn’t it? Do you see this changing in the future or will the trends continue to be focused on health benefits?
“What caught my attention in the nutrition business was a trend study projecting blood sugar as a key element in sugar management for 2024, marking it as one of the emerging megatrends. This indicates a significant shift toward blood sugar management becoming a prominent aspect of the market.
Palatinose™, which we introduced in 2007, has a robust scientific foundation for blood sugar management. However, truth be told, it hasn’t always been the most appealing to potential buyers, requiring education to garner interest. Fortunately, I anticipate a shift in this perception. I hope more individuals will recognise blood sugar management as the puppet master influencing various aspects of our well-being.
“The interconnected benefits within the body are numerous, and I believe there’s a growing awareness of this, especially in the realm of sports. As you mentioned, people may not typically pay attention to blood sugar, but now there seems to be a heightened awareness, linking it to greater benefits, such as utilising fat for energy. It’s a realisation that daily advantages are closely tied to managing blood sugar effectively.”
Isomalt in chewing gum
“Now, let’s talk about chewing gum. Isomalt, our gold standard for hard candies, has been surprisingly enduring. I recently spoke with my boss, who has been in the industry for 30 years, and he noted that the trend of sugar-free hard candies has persisted throughout this time—a rarity in the food industry.
“This trend is global, and for many years, it extended to sugar-free chewing gum, where isomalt plays a crucial role. Our isomalt offers a unique feature in crystallisation—it crystallises translucently. This characteristic provides a clear avenue for innovation, especially in the realm of chewing gum where colour and coating are significant factors. Collaborating with our partner GNT, we’ve incorporated natural colours, aiming for a better visual appeal. The recrystallisation effect, making it translucent, not only enhances brightness but also allows for up to 60% colour savings. It’s like adding colour to water or milk—the translucent isomalt crystallisation makes the colours more vibrant.
“While we maintain the traditional sweetness associated with isomalt, it sets itself apart by being mellower than other sugars. The price remains the same, providing customers with the traditional sweetness they’re accustomed to. When it comes to colour, this innovation allows for more vibrant and visually appealing products, setting new standards in this field.”
How difficult is it when trends come and go as a company to keep on track and to keep yourself innovating in time?
“Isomalt plays a key role in bringing new innovations to chewing gum. Consider, for instance, the possibility of incorporating freshness crystals that are visible, providing an adventurous and sensory experience for consumers. You could experiment by removing the coating and introducing differently coloured and porous cores. With a translucent coating, the core becomes visible, opening the door to creative ideas like rainbow chewing gum. This innovative approach not only revitalises the chewing gum sector but also has the potential to appeal to a broader range of generations.
“In the broader context of confectionery trends, it’s worth noting that supplements are shifting towards more convenient formats, such as gummies. There is a growing convergence between supplements and confectionery, particularly with the popularity of fibre gummies and multivitamin gummies that boast high fibre content. While this trend has been prevalent in the US for a few years, it’s steadily making its way into other markets, reflecting a move towards more convenient and enjoyable supplement consumption.”
Editorial contact:
Editor: Kiran Grewal kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk
