Cargill Granted U.S. Patent For Xtend Sucromalt

MINNEAPOLISCargill has been granted a U.S. patent for the use of its Xtend® sucromalt low-glycemic index sweetener for use in food and beverage compositions. The patent covers the process and conditions to produce sucromalt that ensure its unique carbohydrate composition and appropriate physical characteristics necessary for handling and food application (e.g., viscosity and sweetness).

Foods containing sucromalt are also covered by the patent, which means Cargill can offer patent protection to customers for applications containing Xtend sucromalt. Xtend sucromalt is a fully, but slowly, digestible carbohydrate sweetener ideal for use in foods where balanced energy or a blunted glucose response is desired after eating. Sucromalt contains 4 kcal/g and because of its carbohydrate profile it has less impact on glycemic response than some of the more rapidly digestible caloric sweeteners.

Xtend® sucromalt has similar taste attributes as sugar, and is ideal for use in foods and beverages where you want to deliver balanced energy without the blood sugar peaks and valleys of traditional carbohydrate sweeteners," said Deborah Schulz, Cargills Specialty Carbohydrates product line manager.

In December 2012, a study published online in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found consuming beverages containing Xtend sucromalt may help maintain feelings of mental and physical energy over time compared to consuming a beverage made with glucose.