Dive Brief:
- The Flavor & Extract Manufacturers Association of the U.S. (FEMA) has determined that Zerose erythritol from Cargill is GRAS.
- Companies can use Zerose in a concentration up to 1.25% in non-alcoholic beverages and refer to it on the label as a natural flavor. Zerose can "reduce the off-tastes of high-intensity sweeteners and improve mouthfeel without adding calories," according to Pam Stauffer, Marketing Programs Manager at Cargill.
- Stauffer also noted that food companies can use Zerose to address increasing consumer concerns "about the traceability, sustainability and 'naturalness' of food ingredients."
Dive Insight:
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a bulking agent to fill space so that artificial sweeteners act more like sugar. Erythritol is about 60% as sweet as sugar with so few calories that nutrition labels can show zero calories. Because the ingredient is suitable for people with diabetes, it opens up a wider audience.