Cargill has branded its erythritol product line under a new name, Zerose erythritol, that clearly conveys to food manufacturers and consumers that the all-natural sweetener contains zero sugar, zero calories, zero aftertaste and zero artificial ingredients.
Formerly known as Eridex erythritol, Zerose erythritol is a bulk sweetener that tastes and functions like sugar in beverages, dairy products and confections that appeal to consumers who want to manage their weight or sugar levels or sugar intake. Like sugar, it reduces water activity in a food product, provides volume and provides the freeze point depression needed in many frozen treats.
Zerose erythritol tastes 60 to 70 percent as sweet as sugar, so people can reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing taste. The ingredient also is non-glycemic and non-insulemic, making it a useful sugar alternative for people on diabetic diets. In addition, ZeroseÔ erythritol is noncariogenic (does not promote tooth decay) and is endorsed by Toothfriendly International.
Erythritol exists naturally at low levels in many fruits and at higher levels in naturally fermented foods such as soy sauce, cheese, wine and beer. Zerose erythritol is produced by growing a natural culture that converts sugars and other nutrients into erythritol. This process is similar to the way yogurt is made from milk. It is then filtered, crystallized and dried, resulting in a final product that is greater than 99 percent pure. Zerose erythritol is natural; the ingredient also is available in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic grade (certified by QAI International).
