Our Innovation Analysts recently looked into emerging technologies and up-and-coming startups working on solutions for the food sector. As there is a large number of startups working on a wide variety of solutions, we want to share our insights with you. This time, we are taking a look at 5 promising sugar substitute startups.
Heat Map: 5 Top Startups Developing Sugar Substitutes
Using our StartUs Insights Platform, covering 1.116.000+ startups & emerging companies, we looked at innovation in the field of food and beverages. For this research, we identified 121 relevant solutions and picked 5 to showcase below. These companies were chosen based on a data-driven startup scouting approach, taking into account factors such as location, founding year, and technology among others. Depending on your specific criteria, the top picks might look entirely different.
The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights 5 startups & emerging companies developing sugar substitutes. Moreover, the Heat Map reveals regions that observe a high startup activity and illustrates the geographic distribution of all 121 companies we analyzed for this specific topic.
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Sugar 2.0 – Soluble Fiber-Based Sugar Substitute
Sugar, composed of sweet tasting soluble carbohydrates, is a part of the diet of most people. Table sugar or refined sugar is usually processed and not a healthy option as a sweetener. Vegetable and fruit sugars are naturally occurring sweeteners that have a low glycemic index and are also easier to digest. Startups are developing substitutes for refined sugar to tackle health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
The US-based startup Sugar 2.0 manufactures a real cane sugar-based sugar substitute that also contains soluble fiber content. This property of fiber enables the improved absorption of sugars in the body and stabilizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The startup’s natural ingredients-based substitute helps patients diagnosed with diabetes, obesity and other related health concerns balance their sugar consumption.
Xilinat – Xylitol
Xylitol, a naturally occurring plant material, finds use as a sugar substitute in many sugar-free products such as chewing gums, mints, and candies. Utilizing this agricultural waste product to develop a substitute for sugar helps with farm waste management, as well as in expanding its health benefits for a larger population.
Mexican startup Xilinat creates a natural sweetener from corn waste collected at farms. The substitute has the same sweetening taste profile as sugar, possesses a low glycemic index, and does not require insulin to metabolize. The key ingredient in the substitute is xylitol, derived from processing corn cobs. Considering the low glycemic levels, it is also safe for some diabetic patients.
Fooditive – Fruit-Based Sugar Substitute
Insulin regulates blood sugar levels by stimulating the absorption of glucose. Patients suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes lack the insulin in their bodies to process high blood sugar levels. For these patients, startups are working on fruit-based sugar substitutes. These do not need insulin to be metabolized are an extremely viable alternative to sugar.
Dutch startup Fooditive provides a natural zero-calorie fruit-based sugar substitute. The startup extracts fructose from apples and pears and then ferments it with yeast to produce the Fooditive Sweetener. It is available in the form of a fine powder, liquid, and syrup. The product is environmentally friendly, has a clean taste, extends shelf-life, and helps prevent cavities.
Heylo – Stevia-Based Sugar Substitute
Various conditions like diabetes, pancreatic cancer, sudden weight change, high blood pressure, and allergies cause distress in the gut. Stevia, a natural sweetener, helps control insulin levels while managing gut distress, apart from having zero calories and carbohydrates. This sugar substitute helps in reducing the overall consumption of refined sugar and encourages healthier habits.
Israeli startup Heylo develops its eponymous sweetener Heylo, a patented blend of stevia and dietary fibers for the food and beverage sector. Three versions of Heylo, namely, white sugar substitute, brown sugar substitute, and a liquid sugar alternative constitute the startup’s portfolio. The solution finds application in products such as ketchup, peanut butter, salad dressings, ice creams, and yogurts, among others.
SAGANA – Coconut Sweeteners
Coconut sugar, also known as palm sugar, is a plant-based sugar substitute rich in a variety of minerals such as potassium, magnesium sodium, and iron. Unlike refined sugar, coconut sugar has a substantially low amount of fructose and is also good for the liver. Startups and emerging companies are developing coconut sweeteners as a substitute for conventional refined sugar.
Swiss startup SAGANA extracts the nectar from coconut blossoms and produces a sweetener. The coconut farmers climb the trees and bind the coconut blossom for nectar extraction. Traditional methods of using minimal heat for evaporation of water content in the nectar enable the retention of all the minerals and vitamins. This sugar substitute also has a low glycemic index and is rich in potassium.
What About The Other 116 Solutions?
While we believe data is key to creating insights it can be easy to be overwhelmed by it. Our ambition is to create a comprehensive overview and provide actionable innovation intelligence so you can achieve your goals faster. The 5 sugar substitute startups showcased above are promising examples out of 121 we analyzed for this article. To identify the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria, get in touch.
