GRAS notice sucralose targets drink maker cost cuts

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to provide Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice for a sucralose-based sweetener may ensure more cost efficient formulation for global drinks groups, says it manufacturer.

Senomyx claims that S2383 sucralose enhancer will now be available for use in the US in a wide number of beverage applications allowing manufacturers to cut ingredient costs without compromising a product’s taste characteristics.

A spokesperson for the group told BeverageDaily.com that besides from the North American market, the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) GRAS notice could potentially lead to launches in other international markets in the future.

“Countries that accept FEMA GRAS or have historic adoption of the designation includes Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Egypt,” said the spokesperson.

Beyond these markets, the company added that it remained uncertain of its future expansion plans, but added it may consider looking even further abroad.

“Senomyx has not discussed plans for additional regulatory acceptances or commercialisation yet, but it is likely they would include Europe and other markets,” the group stated.

S2383 sweetener

According to Senomyx, the sweetener has been designed to offer a high-intensity flavour solution for drink and food products ranging from confectionery and baked goods to desserts, dairy products and even healthcare products.

Despite the wide variety of applications available for the sweetener, Senomyx says that the beverage market is likely to provide the largest product category in terms of its use.

Due to the taste characteristics of the product, the manufacturer claims that the amount of sucralose required in product formulations can be cut to provide improved cost efficiencies for a number of recipes.

“In taste tests, S2383 allowed the amount of sucralose in product prototypes to be reduced by up to 75 per cent, while maintaining the desired sweet taste,” a spokesperson for the company said.

Aside from the cost potential of using the ingredient, the group says it can also have improvements in product taste.