Sugar is one of the most widely consumed ingredients in the world, but it also comes with many health risks, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. As consumers become more aware of these dangers, they are looking for natural and organic alternatives that can satisfy their sweet cravings without compromising their health. One of these alternatives is organic allulose sweetener, a rare sugar that has the same taste and functionality as sugar, but with much fewer calories and no impact on blood sugar or insulin levels. In this article, we will explore what organic allulose sweetener is, how it is produced, what are its benefits and challenges, and who are the major players in the global market.
What is organic allulose sweetener?
Allulose is a rare sugar that naturally occurs in fruits like figs and raisins. It has 70% of the sweetness of sugar and only 1/10th of the calories. Unlike regular sugar, allulose does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels and may have some health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar, increasing fat loss, and improving fatty liver.
Organic allulose sweetener is a natural, low-calorie sugar substitute that delivers the same taste and functionality as sugar. It is sourced from organic sugar cane and processed without chemical treatment. Organic allulose sweetener is suitable for people who want to reduce their sugar intake, follow a keto or low-carb diet, or manage diabetes.
How is organic allulose sweetener produced?
Organic allulose sweetener is produced from organic sugar cane, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The organic sugar cane is harvested and crushed to extract the juice, which is then purified and filtered. The juice is then treated with enzymes that convert the sucrose (table sugar) into allulose. The allulose is then crystallized, dried, and packaged as a granulated or powdered sweetener.
What are the benefits of organic allulose sweetener?
Organic allulose sweetener has several advantages over regular sugar and other artificial sweeteners, such as:
- It has a similar taste, texture, and browning ability as sugar, making it easy to use in baking, cooking, and beverages.
- It has only 0.4 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for sugar, which can help reduce the calorie intake and promote weight management.
- It does not affect the blood glucose or insulin levels, which can help prevent or control diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
- It may have some positive effects on the health, such as lowering the blood glucose after meals, enhancing the fat metabolism, and protecting the liver from fat accumulation.
- It is certified organic, which means it is free from harmful chemicals and GMOs, and supports the environmental and social sustainability.
What are the challenges of organic allulose sweetener?
Organic allulose sweetener also faces some challenges in the market, such as:
- It has a limited supply and a high price, due to the scarcity of organic sugar cane and the complex production process.
- It has a low consumer awareness and acceptance, as it is a new and unfamiliar sweetener that may require more education and promotion.
- It may cause some side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and gas, if consumed in large amounts.
Who are the major players in the global market?
The global market for organic allulose sweetener is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, as consumers become more aware of its benefits and demand for natural and organic products increases. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global allulose market is projected to reach USD 258.27 million by 2026, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2019 to 2026. The report also states that the organic segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.
The major regions that dominate the organic allulose sweetener market are North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. North America accounts for the largest market share, followed by Europe, due to the high demand for natural and organic products, the prevalence of diabetes and obesity, and the presence of key players in the region. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, owing to the rising disposable income, the growing health consciousness, and the increasing adoption of keto and low-carb diets in the region.
The major players in the organic allulose sweetener market are:
- Tate & Lyle PLC (UK), which offers organic allulose under the brand name DOLCIA PRIMA®.
- Ingredion Incorporated (US), which offers organic allulose under the brand name ASTRAEA®.
- Apura Ingredients (US), which offers organic allulose under the brand name Alusweet®.
- Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan), which offers organic allulose under the brand name Astraea® Allulose.
- CJ CheilJedang Corp. (South Korea), which offers organic allulose under the brand name Rare Sugar Sweet®.
- ORGANICWAY Food Industry Co., Ltd. (China), which offers organic allulose under the brand name ORGANICWAY®. ORGANICWAY is a global food ingredients solutions company specialized in NOP & EU certified organic ingredients. It provides solutions and innovations for almost 20 industry sectors across more than 40 countries, including Food & Beverages, superfoods, Dietary Supplements, Nutritionals, and Personal Care.
Organic allulose sweetener is a promising product that can meet the needs and preferences of various segments of consumers, such as diabetics, keto dieters, and health-conscious individuals. However, the market also faces some challenges, such as supply constraints, high costs, and consumer education, that need to be addressed to ensure its long-term success.