Investor ED&F Man and food technology company Unavoo have launched what they describe as a natural sweetener breakthrough that cuts sugar by 100%. Protected by patents filed across the world, it is said to offer the solution for sugar replacement whilst maintaining a good taste.

Unavoo Sweetener is prebiotic, made only from natural ingredients and is said to be entirely free from artificial sweeteners, marking a milestone in the fight against diabetes and obesity, the companies said. It uses natural stevia and dietary fibres to cut sugar without affecting the taste, and is claimed to be the first sweetener that uses natural ingredients to replicate the flavour and ‘mouth-feel’ of sugar and that simultaneously provides the bulking agent needed.

The first industrial scale production tests have been completed successfully. Chocolate, ice cream, peanut butter, jams, ketchup and a full range of dairy, bakery and beverage products with no added sugar will be available later this year.

Unavoo’s inventor, Yuval Maymon, owned 50 ice cream stores worldwide when he was diagnosed with diabetes nine years ago, prompting him to investigate sugar substitutes.

“It took me 700 trials and many sleepless nights, but I eventually created a sweetener with zero glycaemic value, no chemicals and no hidden sugars – and that actually tastes like sugar,” he said.

Unavoo is working with agricultural commodities merchant ED&F Man to manufacture and distribute the new sweetener.

Jonathan Hugh, head of ED&F Man’s agri-industrial division, said that the new product will help deliver the food industry’s need for sugar replacement.

“We are excited to offer our industrial and retail clients the sugar reduction solution that they have been searching for,’ he said. “This is a natural, healthy and tasty sugar reduction solution – and we will be launching final products this year.”