A blend of Stevia, a non-chemical sweetener, and insoluble dietary fiber will be used in three high-sugar demonstration products - marmalade, ketchup and chocolate powder - instead of the chemical sweeteners normally used to produce low-calorie products. The dietary fiber comes from a natural source, in the form of recycled fiber from apple juice manufacturers and oat-based products.
The project will demonstrate the positive effects of using Stevia and dietary fiber on the environment and public health in terms of diabetes and obesity, with up to 90% lower calorie levels and improved digestion. Chemical sweeteners are not biodegradable and are therefore harmful to both the body and the environment.
The use of recycled dietary fiber also reduces production costs, which has long been a key issue for food manufacturers looking to start using Stevia. Fiber adds both mass and texture and the costs of other bulking agents can be reduced. The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth's support for the project is in line with the Swedish government's focus on environmental and public health improvements in the Baltic States.
The project will run until December 2014. Phase 1 includes research, production and distribution of the three demonstration products in the Baltic States. In phase 2, the views of end consumers will be collected. In phase 3, the results will be processed and the products will be further developed and disseminated in the region.
