Tate & Lyle has achieved what it claims is a long-awaited beverage – a fizzy cola drink delivering a 50% calorie reduction with a natural origin sweetener, and that’s just as acceptable as a full-sugar one.
It is, according to Tate & Lyle, all thanks to its key ingredient, Tasteva Stevia Sweetener, developed by the company as a great-tasting sweetener from natural origins with zero-calorie in use. With it, Tate & Lyle claims, manufacturers can achieve a 50% sugar reduction in products that still taste ‘right’ to consumers – without any of the bitter/liquorice aftertaste that usually occurs when stevia is used at such a high level.
Replacing sugar is particularly difficult in cola drinks, according to the company, due to the complex balance of flavours that the consumer enjoys and expects. Natural origin sweeteners have a strong appeal with consumers, but the challenge for manufacturers today is to maintain the taste experience. Tate & Lyle says that it has brought its ingredients, formulation, consumer and sensory expertise to bear in designing Cola CREATE specifically to overcome this challenge.
With its taste profile close to that of sugar, Tate & Lyle believes that Cola CREATE gives manufacturers new opportunities to create cola drinks that offer a great taste experience with fewer calories, and using a natural-origin sweetener too.
