Natural sweeteners and technologies for sugar reduction | Food

Natural sweeteners and technologies for sugar reduction

Background
What we're looking for
What we can offer you
Who we are

Background

Sugar reduction continues to be of high interest to PepsiCo. We are always searching for novel sweeteners and technologies to reformulate, grow, and protect core brands and enhance consumer acceptance in a cost-effective manner.

What we're looking for

Natural sweeteners and technologies for sugar reduction in beverages

Solutions of interest include:

New high intensity naturally occurring sweeteners, which may include:

Sweet proteins such as Brazzein, Monellin or Thaumatin
Mogrosides and/or derivatives, new GSGs (Glucosylated Steviol Glycosides), and/or phenolic compounds

Natural sweet enhancers or modifiers that can be used as a stand-alone technology or support existing sugar reduction efforts
Technologies like bioconversion and/or fermentation etc. that address sensory, stability, and cost challenges associated with high intensity sweeteners

Our must-have requirements are:

Safe for consumption, with available safety data for toxicology effects
Water soluble
Acceptable taste profile (no alteration in color, taste and/or mouthfeel)
Stable in a low pH (2.7-3.2) beverage at ambient temperatures for 6-9 months (stable to light, heat, no sedimentation, or phase separation, no or minimal impact on flavor of finished beverage during shelf life)
Stable after thermal processes (Hot Fill: 200-205F for 33 seconds; Tunnel: 160-165F for 10 minutes; Aseptic: 280F for 4 seconds). At a minimum, compatible with a cold fill preserved process.
Minimum shelf-life of 6 months
Path to regulatory approval in the US, Canada, and/or Europe

Our nice-to-have's are:

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) or Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA)
Ingredient shelf-life is 12 months or more
Ingredient name is consumer friendly and can be classified on product labels as a “natural” source

What we can offer you

Benefits: