Meiji Seika's GF2 Is a Safe Sugar Substitute for Diabetics
Michael Plishka — March 27, 2009 — Lifestyle
References: meiji.co.jp & youtube
Finding a safe sugar substitute for diabetics seems to be an ongoing quest.
Now, Japan's biggest chocolate maker, Meiji Seika, has developed GF2, a diabetic safe sweetener with twice the sweetness of sugar but with zero calories because it isn't absorbed by the body. Instead, it is broken down into organic acids in the small intestine.
GF2 is already being used in various chocolate and vegetable drinks.
It is not yet available for sale outside of Japan.
Implications - Ensuring diabetics can still satisfy their sweet tooth, GF2 has a similar molecular composition to sugar, but as its name suggests, it has more fructose molecules than natural sugar, which is responsible for the mild differences in taste.
Now, Japan's biggest chocolate maker, Meiji Seika, has developed GF2, a diabetic safe sweetener with twice the sweetness of sugar but with zero calories because it isn't absorbed by the body. Instead, it is broken down into organic acids in the small intestine.
GF2 is already being used in various chocolate and vegetable drinks.
It is not yet available for sale outside of Japan.
Implications - Ensuring diabetics can still satisfy their sweet tooth, GF2 has a similar molecular composition to sugar, but as its name suggests, it has more fructose molecules than natural sugar, which is responsible for the mild differences in taste.
Trend Themes
1. Diabetic-safe Sweeteners - Meiji Seika's development of GF2 presents an opportunity for the creation of more sugar substitutes that cater to the needs of diabetics.
2. Zero-calorie Sweeteners - The introduction of GF2 opens up possibilities for the production of sweeteners that offer the same sweetness as sugar but with zero calories, leading to potential breakthroughs in the health and wellness industry.
3. Molecular Composition Innovation - The unique molecular composition of GF2, with more fructose molecules than natural sugar, suggests the potential for further advancements in the field of sweeteners and flavorings.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The development of GF2 sweetener by Meiji Seika paves the way for the food and beverage industry to create diabetic-safe and zero-calorie products without compromising on taste.
2. Healthcare - The diabetic-friendly sweetener GF2 highlights opportunities for the healthcare industry, encouraging the development of sugar substitutes that can be safely consumed by diabetics.
3. Consumer Goods - The innovative molecular composition of GF2 presents potential for disruption in the consumer goods industry, with opportunities for the creation of new and improved sweeteners and flavorings.
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