Beneo, a manufacturer of functional ingredients, is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Beneo-scL85, a short-chain fructooligosaccharide (scFOS), currently available as a syrup. The new variant is being touted for greater versatility in consumer sugar replacement and the enrichment of foods with dietary fiber.

Sugar reduction has become an important area of focus for consumers. 

According to Innova Market Insights, the use of reduced sugar claims in F&B launches is increasing globally, featuring 13% year-over-year growth when comparing 2020 Q4 – 2021 Q3 vs. 2021 Q4 – 2022 Q3 launches. In 2021 Q4 – 2022 Q3, the top category of global product launches tracked with reduced sugar claims was Soft Drinks (19%). In 2021 Q4 – 2022 Q3, Granulated Sugar (65%) was the leading ingredient among the reduced sugar claims tracked.

The top seleced positionings of global product launches tracked with reduced sugar claims in 2021 Q4 – 2022 Q3 were No Additives/Preservatives (29%), Gluten Free (23%) and Vegan (17%).

By adding scFOS to its portfolio, Beneo allows more customers to serve this trend through new product development or reformulation. 

Expanding the range of ingredients with Beneo-scL85 means that manufacturers have more variety and increased potential to offer products with less sugar to meet the high demand. 

More than fiber
The use of fiber fortification claims in F&B launches is increasing globally, featuring 4% annual growth when comparing 2017/Q4 – 2018 Q3 and 2021 Q4 – 2022 Q3 launches (CAGR), according to Innova Market Insights.

scFOS is a fiber derived from beet sugar that offers a mild sweet taste, good solubility and natural credentials that can contribute to improved taste and texture and bulking possibilities in applications such as bakery, dairy and cereals. 

Produced in Germany in a dedicated production facility, the new ingredient is available for Beneo’s customers globally to buy now as a syrup. 

Using scFOS means replacing sugar while adding dietary fiber. This improves the nutritional profile of a product, allowing manufacturers to achieve a better score for front-of-pack nutrition labeling systems worldwide, like NutriScore in Europe. 

“Short-chain fructooligosaccharide from beet sugar is a valuable addition to Beneo’s portfolio because it increases flexibility and availability for our customers,” says Eric Neven, commercial managing director for the company’s Functional Fibres.

“In combination with the increased production capacity of our chicory root fiber production plant in Chile, Beneo’s short-chain fructooligosaccharide will further secure supply to meet the high demand for solutions to reduce sugar.” 

Beneo developments
Last year, a Beneo study revealed chicory fiber might have a prebiotic effect, improving microbiome function.

Brands are increasingly tapping into functional ingredients in a bid to improve the health credentials of their products. Nonetheless, the definition of health within the space has expanded beyond well-being and personal nutrition – now encompassing planetary health.

Sugar has long been scrutinized across the F&B industry, with scientists recently warning that even slight increases could present cardiovascular disease risks.