Nestlé launches new sugar reduction technology that can be applied across different product categories

SWITZERLAND – Swiss food giant, Nestlé, has developed a new sugar reduction technology based on an enzymatic process that can be applied across different product categories.

The technology reduces the intrinsic sugar in ingredients such as malt, milk, and fruit juices by up to 30%, with a minimal impact on taste and texture.

Nestlé explained that the latest innovation eliminates the need to add sweeteners or bulking agents to replace the volume of the eliminated sugar.

In addition, the technology can also be employed to produce low-lactose and skimmed milk-based products while also increasing prebiotic fibers.

Stefan Palzer, Nestlé’s chief technology officer, said: “Sugar reduction across our portfolio remains a top priority. This new technology is a true breakthrough, as we can reduce sugar without adding sweeteners while preserving a great taste, all at a minimal cost increase.

“In addition, our scientists discovered that the sugar reduction generates prebiotic fibers that support the microbiome, which is an additional benefit. We are now accelerating the global roll-out across formats and categories.”

The sugar reduction was first piloted by Nestlé in cocoa and malt-based ready-to-drink beverages in Southeast Asia and over the past year.

The company has already introduced it in factory lines for cocoa and malt-based powdered beverages such as Milo across several countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Since 2021, sugar reduction technology has been applied to over 200 000 tons of cocoa and malt-based beverages.

The owner of the Kitkat brand said the roll-out continues, and other product categories such as dairy powders will follow.

The new sugar reduction technology complements other existing solutions developed by Nestlé over the years in collaboration with external innovation partners and suppliers.

This includes natural sweeteners, sweetness-enhancing or bitterness-masking flavors, as well as natural bulking agents, such as fibers, cereals, and tailor-made dairy and cocoa powders.

The company has also adopted its new policy to voluntarily prohibit the direct advertising of confectionery and ice cream as well as water-based beverages with added sugars to children below 16 years of age, globally.

This standard will be applied to TV and online platforms, including social media and gaming ones with greater than 25% of their audience under 16 years old. Additionally, Nestlé will not collect data on minors and only partner with social media influencers over the age of 18.

All these efforts are channeled to help Nestlé achieve its health and nutritional progress. On its website, the food giant points out that 57% of global net sales are from food and beverage products with a Health Star Rating of 3.5 or above or that are specialized nutrition products (excludes PetCare).

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