Ingredion launches new clean label carbohydrate for sustained energy

27 Sep 2017 --- Ingredion Incorporated, a provider of ingredient solutions to diversified industries, has launched Sustra 2434 in the US. The slowly digestible carbohydrate is a clean label starch-based solution for manufacturers of energy-focused nutritional products including bars, shakes, mixes, snacks and supplements.

Sustra 2434 is described in Ingredion’s press release as an innovative, easy-to-formulate ingredient that has been scientifically shown in Ingredion’s proprietary research to promote a lower glycemic index and steadier blood sugar levels over an extended period, leading to balanced, long-lasting energy.

With its clean taste profile, sensory acceptance and appealing consistency, manufacturers can now easily develop convenient, consumer-desired energy products, Ingredion notes.

Research bears out claims
“Ingredion’s proprietary research has shown that consumers are seeking more energy to help them be more productive and increase their overall well-being,’’ says Maria Stewart, Ph.D., clinical research lead at Ingredion.

“In the clinical trial, two different foods were evaluated for post-prandial glycemic response: a cold-press bar and an instant pudding,” Stewart tells NutritionInsight. “The clinical trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study conducted in healthy adults. The Sustra 2434 slowly digestible carbohydrate bar resulted in a significantly lower glycemic index and a more balanced blood glucose profile for four hours after consumption, compared to the control bar.”

“The Sustra 2434 slowly digestible carbohydrate pudding also resulted in a significantly lower glycemic index and a more balanced blood glucose profile for four hours after consumption, compared to the control pudding,” adds Stewart.

Made from native corn starch and tapioca flour, Sustra 2434 slowly digestible carbohydrate has a simple label and can enable claims such as “low glycemic index” and “sustained blood glucose.”

In addition, Sustra 2434 is gluten- and FODMAP-free and has no adverse osmotic or digestive tolerance effects. It is also certified in conformity with Ingredion’s Truetrace program for non-genetically modified ingredients.

Stewart asserts that unlike some carbohydrates that cause a sharp spike followed by a drop in blood sugar, leading to a “crash,” Sustra 2434 slowly digestible carbohydrate is designed to be slowly digested and produce a reduced glycemic response, an effect that has been confirmed in clinical studies.

The launch of the new carbohydrate in the US comes just after Ingredion announced 17 additions to its Non-GMO Project Verified list, bringing its total to 133. It has also had success with its dietary fiber this year, with a clinical study showing that it supports blood sugar management.

Elsewhere in the field of providing energy while avoiding a subsequent “crash,” Taiyo has also recently launched its Functional Whole Green Coffee Powder natural raw coffee bean ingredient.

By Paul Creasy