Lampados International has launched Liteez, its new, 3D stevia sweetener for hot drinks. This “free-from” meringue kiss is designed to address the growing demand for sugar reduction in beverages.

The patent-pending vegan meringue kiss is a completely plant-based treat. It is said to be free from any allergens, such as eggs, gluten, lactose, or nuts, and contains just a few simple ingredients, including prebiotic fibres that build sweetness, act as a bulking agent, and function as a nutraceutical.

“Liteez, is much more than just another sweetener,” said Noam Kaplan, CEO of Lampados. “It’s a fun, 3D, easy-to-use sugar replacer that doubles as a sweet treat. You can eat it as a treat when drinking tea or coffee or, if you need sweetness in the drink, just stir it right in. It will completely dissolve in about half a minute.”

While the Liteez sweetener delivery system can be formulated with different types of sweeteners, using stevia posed a challenge since the acidity and isoelectric point of the mixture changes completely relative to using other high-intensity sweeteners, such as sucralose.

Attaining the delicate balance between a foam that sets firm yet is soluble enough to dissolve in a hot drink was a delicate and precise challenge for the Lampados R&D team, according to Kaplan.

“Changing the physical characteristics of the product changed the texture and manufacturing parameters. After dozens of lab trials, we successfully overcame all these challenges, maintaining the desired texture, form, flavor, color—and functionality—of the kisses.”

Because Liteez contains mostly fibre, the aftertaste of stevia also was able to be effectively masked.

“This is a true breakthrough, 3D solution for consumers seeking plant-based, low-calorie sweeteners,” said Kaplan.