Nestlé is claiming to have made a scientific breakthrough which could reduce the sugar in its bars, snacks and assorted sweet treats by as much as 40% – without changing the taste one bit.
The world's largest packaged food group said that researchers have discovered a way to restructure the sugar particles in such a way that each dissolves far more quickly on the tongue, meaning far less is needed to deliver the same effect on the taste buds.
Chief technology officer Stefan Catsicas revealed late on Wednesday:
"Our scientists have discovered a completely new way to use a traditional, natural ingredient."
We’ve taken the wraps off new tech that could mean up to 40% less #sugar in all our confectionery ðŸ«: https://t.co/GPx4BmMeUi pic.twitter.com/B9wHaWPtpl
— Nestlé (@Nestle) December 1, 2016
Reuters reports that the company is now patenting its findings and plans to begin using the faster-dissolving sugar across its product line – which includes everything from Aeros, Kit Kats and Yorkies to the Rowntree's sweets range – in 2018.
The technology should give it an enormous advantage over rival companies that target consumers' sweet teeth, particularly as the global obesity epidemic increases pressure on processed food manufacturers to make their products healthier.
In decidedly negative recent Nestlé news, the company was named by Amnesty International as one of nine global brands (including Unilever, Kellogg's and Colgate-Palmolive) who are exploiting children for cheap labour on palm oil plantations in Indonesia.
The company responded online:
Only responsibly sourced #PalmOil has a place in our products, we’re working hard to ensure this: https://t.co/FsSUc9we7C pic.twitter.com/6Q9SrMDlNc
— Nestlé (@Nestle) November 22, 2016
