Healthy sweeteners

Abstract

Additives for food and / or beverages are generally provided. In some embodiments, the additives include sweeteners (e.g., health sweeteners). The additives and / or sweeteners described herein may be useful, for example, to increase the sweetness of food and / or beverages when added to food and / or beverages. In some embodiments, the additives and / or sweeteners may be advantageously used to reduce the sugar and / or calorie content of food and / or beverages compared, for example, food and / or beverages without additives and / or sweeteners or containing conventional sweeteners. Advantageously, additives, including the sweeteners described herein, may be useful in providing food and / or beverages with a relatively low glycemic index and / or a relatively low calorie count per serving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 454,906, filed March 27, 2023; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 535,550, filed August 30, 2023; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 539,559, filed September 20, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 598,528, filed November 13, 2023, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Field The inventive concept generally relates to the field of additives containing sweeteners, and more particularly, the present invention generally relates to healthy sweeteners for use in food and beverages.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Summary The subject matter of the present disclosure is involved, in some cases, with related products, alternative solutions to particular problems, and / or multiple different uses of one or more systems and / or articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to additives (e.g., for use in food and / or beverages) that include healthy sweeteners.

[0005] In one aspect, food and / or beverage additives are provided. In some embodiments, the additive comprises a sweetener containing fructose present in an amount of 20% or more and 60% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener, glucose present in an amount of 5% or more and 35% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener, sorbitol present in an amount of 0.5% or less and 10% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener, and sucrose present in an amount of 0% or more and 20% or less by weight, wherein the sweetener has one or more of the following characteristics: i) a Brix of 70 or more and 80 or less, ii) a glycemic index of 55 or less as measured according to ISO 26642:2010; and / or iii) a caloric count of 20 kilocalories or less per 4 grams of sweetener as measured using a cylinder calorimeter.

[0006] In some embodiments, the additive comprises an apple-derived sweetener comprising a mixture of fructose, glucose, sorbitol, and sucrose, wherein the sweetener has a Brix of 70 or greater and 80 or less, and a glycemic index of 55 or less as measured according to ISO 26642:2010.

[0007] In another embodiment, an edible consumer product is provided. In some embodiments, the edible consumer product comprises a food product and a coating and / or powder, the coating and / or powder comprising a sweetener, the sweetener comprising: fructose present in an amount of 20% or more and 60% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; glucose present in an amount of 5% or more and 35% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; sorbitol present in an amount of 0.5% or more and 10% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; and sucrose present in an amount of 0% or more and 20% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener.

[0008] In some embodiments, the consumer food product includes a beverage and additive containing a sweetener, the sweetener comprising fructose present in an amount of 20% or more and 60% or less by weight of the total weight of the sweetener, glucose present in an amount of 5% or more and 35% or less by weight of the total weight of the sweetener, sorbitol present in an amount of 0.5% or more and 10% or less by weight of the total weight of the sweetener, and sucrose present in an amount of 0% or more and 20% or less by weight.

[0009] Other advantages and novel features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting aspects of the disclosure, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] Brief explanation of the drawing Non-limiting aspects of this disclosure will be described, for example, by reference to accompanying diagrams, which are schematic and not intended to be drawn to scale unless otherwise specified. In the diagrams, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated in the diagrams is typically represented by a single number. For clarity, not all components are labeled in all diagrams, nor are all components of each aspect of the disclosure shown where it is not necessary to illustrate them in a manner that would enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure. In the diagrams: [Figure 1] Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a series of edible consumer products and additives; and [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plot of the blood glucose levels of a subject as a function of time after ingestion of an additive or control sample as described herein, in a series of embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Detailed explanation Aspects of this disclosure generally relate to additives, including health sweeteners (for example, for use in foods and / or beverages). The concept of the invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0012] Additives for food and / or beverages are generally provided. In some embodiments, the additives include sweeteners (e.g., health sweeteners). The additives and / or sweeteners described herein may be useful, for example, to increase the sweetness of food and / or beverages when added to food and / or beverages. In some embodiments, the additives and / or sweeteners may be advantageously used to reduce the sugar and / or calorie content of food and / or beverages compared, for example, food and / or beverages without additives and / or sweeteners or containing conventional sweeteners. Advantageously, additives, including the sweeteners described herein, may be useful in providing food and / or beverages with a relatively low glycemic index and / or a relatively low calorie count per serving.

[0013] Advantageously, beverages (e.g., concentrated juices) and / or foods containing the additives and / or sweeteners described herein may have a lower amount of fructose compared to the amount of fructose typically present in such beverages / foods, for example, those containing conventional sweeteners. While we do not wish to be constrained by theory, a relatively low glycemic index may be obtained by reducing the amount of fructose in a beverage (or food) (for example, by effectively increasing the proportion of other sugars in the beverage / food, such as glucose). As recognized by the inventors, lower levels of fructose may benefit consumers. As used herein, the term “consumer” refers to an individual organism, such as a human or an animal. In some embodiments, the consumer is a mammal (e.g., a human, a non-human primate, or a non-human mammal), a vertebrate, a laboratory animal, a domestic animal, an agricultural animal, or a companion animal. In some embodiments, the consumer is a human. In some embodiments, the consumer is a rodent, a mouse, a rat, a hamster, a rabbit, a dog, a cat, a cow, a goat, a sheep, or a pig.

[0014] As generally described herein, additives generally include sweeteners. In some embodiments, the sweeteners include two or more combinations of fructose, glucose, sorbitol, and optionally sucrose, or derivatives thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments, fructose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 20% or more by weight, 25% or more by weight, 25% or more by weight, 26.9% or more by weight, 30% or more by weight, 35% or more by weight, 40% or more by weight, 45% or more by weight, 45% or more by weight, 50% or more by weight, 53.6% or more by weight, or 55% or more by weight, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. In some embodiments, fructose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 60% or less by weight, 55% or less by weight, 53.6% or less by weight, 50% or less by weight, 50% or less by weight, 45% or less by weight, 45% or less by weight, 40% or less by weight, 35% or less by weight, 30% or less by weight, 26.9% or less by weight, or 25% or less by weight, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. Combinations of the above ranges are also feasible (for example, 20% or more and 60% or less by weight). Other ranges are also feasible. In a series of exemplary embodiments, fructose is present in the sweetener in an amount of 26.9% by weight or more and 53.6% by weight or less.

[0016] In some embodiments, glucose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 5% or more by weight, 9% or more by weight, 10% or more by weight, 15% or more by weight, 20% or more by weight, 25% or more by weight, 30% or more by weight, or 30.6% or more by weight, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. In some embodiments, glucose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 35% or less by weight, 30.6% or less by weight, 30% or less by weight, 25% or less by weight, 25% or less by weight, 20% or less by weight, 15% or less by weight, 10% or less by weight, or 9% or less by weight, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. Combinations of the above ranges are also feasible (for example, 5% or more and 35% or less by weight). Other ranges are also feasible. In an exemplary set of embodiments, glucose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 9% or more by weight and 30.6% or less by weight.

[0017] In some embodiments, sorbitol is present in the sweetener in amounts of 0.5% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, 1.2% by weight or more, 2% by weight or more, 4% by weight or more, 5% by weight or more, 5.4% by weight or more, 6% by weight or more, or 8% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. In some embodiments, sorbitol is present in the sweetener in amounts of 10% by weight or less, 8% by weight or less, 6% by weight or less, 5.4% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, 4% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, 1.2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. Combinations of the above ranges are also feasible (for example, 0.5% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less). Other ranges are also feasible. In an exemplary set of embodiments, sorbitol is present in the sweetener in amounts of 1.2% by weight or more and 5.4% by weight or less.

[0018] In some embodiments, sucrose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 0% by weight or more, 1% by weight or more, 2% by weight or more, 5% by weight or more, 10% by weight or more, 15% by weight or more, or 17.9% by weight or more, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. In some embodiments, sucrose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 20% by weight or less, 17.9% by weight or less, 15% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, 5% by weight or less, 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the sweetener. Combinations of the above ranges are also feasible (for example, 0% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less). Other ranges are also feasible. In an exemplary set of embodiments, sucrose is present in the sweetener in amounts of 0% by weight or more and 17.9% by weight or less. In an exemplary set of embodiments, sucrose is present in the sweetener in amounts greater than 0% by weight and 17.9% by weight or less. In some embodiments, sucrose is not present in the sweetener.

[0019] In an exemplary series of embodiments, the sweetener comprises 26.9% by weight or more and 53.6% by weight or less of fructose, 9% by weight or more and 30.6% by weight or less of glucose, and 1.2% by weight or more and 5.4% by weight or less of sorbitol. According to some such embodiments, the sweetener further comprises sucrose in an amount greater than 0% by weight and 17.9% by weight or less.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sweetener is characterized by having a desired Brix. As used herein, Brix has its ordinary meaning in the art and generally refers to the grams of sucrose in 100 grams of solution. In some embodiments, the sweetener has a Brix of 70 or greater, 72 or greater, 74 or greater, 75 or greater, 75 or greater, 76 or greater, or 78 or greater. In some embodiments, the sweetener has a Brix of 80 or less, 78 or less, 76 or less, 75 or less, 75 or less, 74 or less, or 72 or less. Combinations of the above ranges are also feasible (e.g., 70 or greater and 80 or less).

[0021] In some embodiments, the sweetener has a glycemic index of 55 or less, 50 or less, 45 or less, or 40 or less. In some embodiments, the sweetener has a glycemic index of 35 or greater, 40 or greater, 45 or greater, or 50 or greater. Combinations of the above ranges are also feasible (e.g., 35 or greater and 55 or less). Other ranges are also feasible. The glycemic index may be measured in some embodiments in accordance with ISO 26642:2010.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sweetener has a calorie count of 20 kcal or less, 15 kcal or less, 10 kcal or less, or 5 kcal or less per 4 grams of sweetener. In some embodiments, the sweetener has a calorie count of 2 kcal or greater, 5 kcal or greater, 10 kcal or greater, or 15 kcal or greater per 4 grams of sweetener. Combinations of the above ranges are also feasible (e.g., 2 kcal or greater and 20 kcal or less per 4 grams of sweetener). Other ranges are also feasible. The calorie count may be measured in some embodiments using a bomb calorimeter according to methods known to those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0023] In some embodiments, the additive comprises a sweetener and a diluent. The diluent may be any suitable diluent commonly used in food and / or beverages. In some embodiments, the diluent comprises water. However, in some embodiments, the additive does not contain additional components other than the sweetener.

[0024] In some embodiments, the additive comprises one or more fruit components. For example, in some embodiments, the sweetener is derived from and / or comprises one or more fruit components. In some embodiments, the one or more fruit components are selected from fruits including pommes (e.g., apple, pear, quince, loquat, Japanese quince, medlar), citrus fruits (e.g., lemon, grapefruit, orange), gourds, berries and / or aggregate fruits (e.g., blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, elderberry, blackberry, gooseberry, banana, tomato, grape, watermelon, pumpkin, melon), and drupes (e.g., mango, peach, nectarine, cherry, apricot). In an exemplary set of embodiments, the fruit is an apple.

[0025] In some embodiments, the one or more fruit components comprise a peel / skin, flesh / pulp, core, seeds, segments, pistil and / or pedicel.

[0026] In some embodiments, the one or more fruit components comprise a liquid. As used herein, "liquid" has its ordinary meaning. Generally, a liquid cannot maintain a defined shape and will flow within an observable time to fill the container in which it is placed. Thus, the liquid may have any suitable viscosity that permits flow. In some embodiments, the liquid is an extract, concentrate, juice, nectar, and / or syrup.

[0027] In some embodiments, the liquid is a deionized liquid (for example, a deionized juice concentrate).

[0028] In some embodiments, the additive is in powder or granular form. In some embodiments, the additive is in liquid form. In some embodiments, the additive comprises an aqueous solution containing a sweetener. In some embodiments, the sweetener is water-soluble.

[0029] Advantageously, the additives and / or sweeteners described herein may have relatively long shelf lives. For example, in some embodiments, the additives and / or sweeteners may have a shelf life of 1 year or more, 2 years or more, 3 years or more and / or 5 years or less, 8 years or less, or 10 years or less at room temperature.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sweetener is substantially colorless and / or substantially odorless. For example, in some embodiments, the sweetener may be liquid and resemble liquid water in appearance. In some embodiments, the sweetener may have a yellow and / or brown hue.

[0031] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the sweetener further comprises one or more low-glycemic and / or low-calorie natural and / or artificial sweeteners. Non-limiting examples of additional preferred sweeteners include stevia, aspartame, sorbitol, erythritol, cane sugar, monk fruit, and other natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

[0032] In some embodiments, edible consumer products are provided. In some embodiments, the edible consumer product is a food product. In some embodiments, the edible consumer product is a beverage. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary edible consumer product 100, comprising a food and / or beverage 110 and an additive 120. In some embodiments, the additive 120 includes a sweetener, as described elsewhere in this specification. An alternative example of the edible consumer product 102 is shown in Figure 1B, comprising a food and / or beverage 110 and a coating 125. In some embodiments, the coating 125 includes an additive (e.g., a sweetener). On the other hand, Figure 1B shows a coating 125 applied directly onto the food and / or beverage 110, and those skilled in the art will understand that one or more intervening layers and / or coatings may be present (e.g., each containing or not containing an additive). Figures 1A and 1B are non-existent examples and are generally included for illustrative purposes. Other arrangements, configurations, and combinations of food, beverage, and additives are also feasible.

[0033] In some embodiments, additives may be present in one or more components of an edible consumer product. For example, in some embodiments, an edible consumer product comprises two or more components (e.g., a baked layer and a filling, a baked layer and a coating, or two or more liquid components) such that at least one of the two or more components contains an additive. In some embodiments, each additive contained in each component of an edible consumer product may be the same or different (e.g., containing different amounts of sugar, present at different concentrations, or derived from different fruits). Those skilled in the art will be able to select suitable additives for various edible consumer products based on the teachings of this specification.

[0034] In some embodiments, the edible consumer product is a food product and also includes coatings and / or powders, the coatings and / or powders including additives as described herein. In some embodiments, the edible consumer product is a beverage and contains additives as described herein. In some aspects, consumer food products (e.g., foods, beverages) meet the FDA standard for “sugar-free” designation in accordance with 21 CFR 101.60(c).

[0035] In some embodiments, the provided healthy sweeteners include compositions comprising one or more apple components in various forms, preferably in a combination of at least one sweetener component that increases sweetness while reducing the glycemic index and calorie count of the apple component. In various embodiments, the healthy sweeteners are low-glycemic and low-calorie (LGLC) healthy sweeteners.

[0036] In some embodiments, the healthy sweetener is formed by compounding, or otherwise combining, an apple component with, preferably, at least one other sweetener-enhancing low-glycemic sweetener and / or low-calorie sweetener.

[0037] In an exemplary set of embodiments, the sweetener components may be or include one or more natural and / or artificial sweeteners, such as stevia, aspartame, sorbitol, erythritol, cane sugar, monk fruit, or similar known or hereafter developed low-glycemic and / or low-calorie sweeteners or compounds, while increasing sweetness.

[0038] In an exemplary series of embodiments, the apple components contain sugars of 75 ± 5 Brix, have a glycemic index of about 55 or less and preferably less than 50, and are stable for up to about 3 years at ambient room temperature.

[0039] In an exemplary series of embodiments, the additive comprises one or more fruit components. According to some embodiments, one or more fruit components are substantially colorless and odorless, or at least nearly colorless and odorless. In some embodiments, one or more fruit components have a mild sweetness. In an exemplary series of embodiments, one or more fruit components have a mild sweet aroma. In some embodiments, the fruit from which one or more fruit components are derived is an apple. According to some such embodiments, the apple component is substantially colorless and odorless, or at least nearly colorless and odorless. In some embodiments, the apple component has a mild sweetness. In an exemplary series of embodiments, the apple component comprises a deionized apple juice concentrate having increased stability.

[0040] In an exemplary series of embodiments, the additive comprises one or more fruit components. In some such embodiments, the fruit from which the one or more fruit components are derived is an apple. According to some such embodiments, the apple component may have a calorie count of about 10 calories per 1 / 2 teaspoon (4 grams). In an exemplary series of embodiments, the sweetener component can reduce the glycemic index by about 10% or more, the calorie count by about 10% or more, and increase the sweetness by about 10% or more. In some embodiments, other degrees of reduction in glycemic index and / or calorie count, and / or increase in sweetness may be realized by the healthy sweetener.

[0041] In an exemplary series of embodiments, health sweeteners can be reconstituted with water so that their use in a product can have the FDA designation of “sugar-free.”

[0042] In an exemplary series of embodiments, the additive comprises one or more fruit components. In some such embodiments, the fruit from which the one or more fruit components are derived is an apple. According to some such embodiments, the apple components may comprise apple peel, apple pulp, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary series of embodiments, the apple components may take the form of a solid, such as dried or granular apple pulp and / or apple peel. In an exemplary series of embodiments, the apple components may take the form of a liquid, such as an extract, concentrate, juice, nectar, or syrup containing apple pulp and / or peel. In some embodiments, the apple components may take the form of apple nectar or concentrated apple juice, or may comprise them.

[0043] In an exemplary series of embodiments, the additive comprises one or more fruit components. In some such embodiments, the fruit from which the one or more fruit components are derived is an apple. According to some such embodiments, the apple components may encompass apples in dried and / or liquid forms. In an exemplary series of embodiments, the apple components may be a combination of apple juice and apples in solid or dried forms, such as granular or powdered forms, for example.

[0044] In an exemplary series of embodiments, the additive comprises one or more fruit components. In some such embodiments, the fruit from which the one or more fruit components are derived is an apple. According to some such embodiments, the apple component in solid form may be soluble, but in some embodiments, the apple component in solid form may be insoluble. In an exemplary series of embodiments, the apple component in solid form may comprise an insoluble portion and a soluble portion. The apple component can be formed using other combinations of liquid and / or dried forms of apple peel and / or pulp insoluble and / or soluble forms.

[0045] While apple components are generally described as containing apples, it should be understood that more broadly, they may be fruit components containing one or more other (non-apple) fruits as a substitute for or in combination with apples in dried and / or liquid forms. In such embodiments, health sweeteners following aspects of the present invention may preferably include fruit components and sweetener components that reduce the glycemic index and calorie count of the fruit components, while increasing sweetness. In some embodiments, the additives and / or sweeteners described herein may be used in place of other sweeteners (e.g., conventional sweeteners such as sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners, and natural sweeteners) in recipes.

[0046] In an exemplary set of embodiments, health sweeteners can be added to or used as ingredients in the preparation of various types of foods or beverages. In an exemplary set of embodiments, health sweeteners can be used as dry or liquid seasonings.

[0047] In a series of exemplary embodiments, the sweetener component enhances the sweetness of the apple (or fruit) component. In some embodiments, when an additive containing a sweetener and / or an apple (or fruit) component is added to a consumer product, it can, for example, reduce the glycemic index and / or calorie count and / or increase the sweetness of the consumer product compared to a consumer product sweetened with a conventional sweetener.

[0048] In an exemplary set of embodiments, healthy sweeteners can be used as low-glycemic, low-calorie sweetener substitutes in any food or beverage product, instead of processed sugar, corn syrup, or other sweeteners. Such food products include, but are not limited to, cereals, baked goods, sports bars, breakfast bars, granola, gummies and candies, yogurt, ice cream, baking mixes, and the like. Such beverages may include, but are not limited to, soft drinks, sodas, juices, teas, smoothies, vitamin supplements and / or probiotic drinks, water, sports drinks, milk, and the like. It should be understood that this disclosure is not so limited and that other foods and beverages are also feasible. In some aspects, edible consumer products include at least one member selected from the group consisting of juices, sodas, milks, teas, smoothies, waters, sports drinks, ketchups, mustards, mayons, syrups, honeys, jellies, peanut butters, butters, chocolate syrups, shortenings, margarines, Oreos, greases, dips, yogurts, sour creams, oils, marshmallows, doughs, batters, baked goods, chewing gums, bubblegums, butters, cheeses, creams, cream cheeses, mustards, yogurts, sour creams, curries, sauces, dessert toppings, whipped creams, and toothpastes.

[0049] In some embodiments, the above values ​​and / or ranges may differ. While the above describes what is considered the best mode and / or other preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made therein, and one or more inventions may be carried out in various forms and embodiments, and they may be applied in numerous uses, only some of which are described herein. The following claims are intended to assert the literal description and all equivalents thereof, encompassing all modifications and variations within the scope of each claim.

[0050] Some features of the present invention are described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, but it is understood that they may also be provided in combination within a single embodiment. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, various features of the present invention described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided individually or in any preferred subcombination.

[0051] example The following examples are intended to illustrate certain aspects of the invention as described herein, but not to illustrate the entire scope of the invention.

[0052] Example 1 Sweeteners were prepared containing 26.9–53.6% by weight of fructose, 9.0–30.6% by weight of glucose, 1.2–5.4% by weight of sorbitol, and 0–17.9% by weight of other components, based on the total weight of the sweetener. The sweeteners had a Brix of 75±5 and a glycemic index of 55 or less.

[0053] Example 2 The glycemic index (GI) of apple-derived sweeteners was determined using the protocol described in the standard ISO method (ISO 26642:2010 "Food products - Determination of glycemic index and recommendations for food classification"). The sweeteners tested in this example correspond to the additives described elsewhere in this specification.

[0054] protocol Ten subjects (for example, men or non-pregnant women aged 18-75 years and in good health) were treated on separate days, and each subject underwent testing up to three times per week, with at least one day between each test. Subjects fasted for 10-14 hours overnight, after which two blood samples were taken at 5-minute intervals as fasting blood samples. Subjects then consumed a test meal within 15 minutes. Additional blood samples were taken at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after the start of the test meal. Subjects remained seated quietly for the entire 2-hour test.

[0055] Test food The test meal consisted of white bread containing either a portion of the sweetener (e.g., the test food) or 25 grams of available carbohydrates (total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber / indigestible carbohydrates). The quantity of the test food was calculated based on the results of the nutritional analysis and the list of components relevant to the sample. Each subject was given a choice of beverage to consume with the test food (water, coffee, or tea, and, if desired, 30 mL of 2% milk and a non-colie sweetener). The selected beverage was kept the same for all test meals. The control meal was tested twice by all subjects.

[0056] blood sample Blood samples (300 microliters each) were collected in tubes containing heparin to prevent coagulation and fluoride to inhibit glycolysis. Immediately after collection, the samples were centrifuged at AT2000G for 5 minutes and refrigerated. Plasma glucose analysis using a VITROS 350 analyzer (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics) was performed within 5 days of collection.

[0057] Data Analysis Data was imported from the VITROS 350 analyzer into a spreadsheet using middleware software instrument manager (Data Innovations). Incremental values ​​of the Area Under the Curve (IAUC) were calculated using the trapezoidal rule, ignoring the area below the baseline. For the purpose of IAUC calculation, fasting blood glucose was considered the average of the first glucose concentration measurements at -5 minutes and 0 minutes. Glucose was measured twice in the fasting sample at 0 minutes, and the standard deviation (SD) of the analysis variation was determined using the data as follows:

number

[0058] The glycemic index (GI) was calculated by determining the ratio of each subject's glucose IAUC for the test food to the mean response value of the same subject after a reference meal, and, where necessary, by adjusting the GI to a glucose scale where glucose is equivalent to 100 and white bread to 71. After excluding values ​​exceeding two standard deviations from the mean, a second statistical analysis was performed on the GI values, in which case the excluded values ​​were replaced by the mean of the remaining values ​​in an ANOVA with reduced degrees of freedom of error by the number of outliers excluded. After demonstrating significant heterogeneity, Tukey's test, a control for multiple comparisons, was used to assess the difference between individual means with a significance criterion of two-sided p<0.05. Means that differed by more than the least significant difference (LSD) were considered significantly different.

[0059] result Figure 2 shows the blood glucose levels (mean + SEM) of the subjects as a function of time after consuming either the sweetener or the control food (25g white bread, WB25, GI 71). The GI of the sweetener was determined by analyzing this data and is shown in Table 1. Table 1. GI values ​​of white bread (control) and sweeteners. [Table 1] Table 1 shows that the sweeteners have a low glycemic index.

[0060] Additional exemplary additives and sweeteners are described in at least U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 539,559, filed on September 20, 2023 and titled Healthy Sweetner, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 535,550, filed on August 30, 2023 and titled Healthy Sweetner, as well as U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 454,906, filed on March 27, 2023 and titled Healthy Sweetner, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 598,528, filed on November 13, 2023, each of which, for all purposes, are incorporated herein by reference in whole.

[0061] While several aspects of this disclosure are described and illustrated herein, a person skilled in the art will readily envision various other means and / or structures and / or one or more advantages described herein for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining the results thereof, and each of such variations and / or modifications will be deemed to be within the scope of this disclosure. More generally, it is meant that all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are illustrative, and a person skilled in the art will readily understand that actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will depend on the specific application(singular) or application(plural) in which the teachings of this disclosure are used. A person skilled in the art will recognize or be able to verify many equivalents to specific aspects of the disclosure described herein by using only standard experiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that the aforementioned aspects are presented only as examples, and that the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents may be performed in ways other than those specifically described and asserted. This disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included in the scope of this disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

[0062] If this Specified and any document incorporated by reference contain conflicting or contradictory disclosures, this Specified shall prevail. If two or more documents incorporated by reference contain conflicting or contradictory disclosures, the document with the later effective date shall prevail.

[0063] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to govern beyond dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or the ordinary meanings of the terms defined.

[0064] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein and in the claims should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary.

[0065] The phrase “and / or” should be understood, when used herein and in claims, to mean “either or both” of the elements thus linked, that is, elements that exist together in some cases and separately in others. It should be interpreted as “one or more” of the multiple elements listed in “and / or” that are linked in the same way, i.e., thus linked. Other elements may exist, in addition to those specifically identified in the “and / or” phrase, whether relating to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with an open-ended word such as “including” a reference to “A and / or B,” it may refer to A only in one embodiment (optionally including elements other than B); B only in another embodiment (optionally including elements other than A); both A and B in yet another embodiment (optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0066] As used herein and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” should be interpreted as inclusive, that is, inclusive of a number of items or at least one of the elements of the list, but also including more, and optionally including items not in any additional list. Only terms that are explicitly indicated, such as “one only,” “exactly one,” or, as used in the claims, “consisting of,” refer to the inclusion of a number of elements or exactly one element of the list. In general, as used herein, the term “or” should be interpreted only as referring to an exclusive alternative (i.e., one or the other, but not both), such as “either,” “one of the two,” “only one,” or “exactly one.”

[0067] When used herein and in claims, the phrase “at least one” should be understood to mean, in a reference to a list of one or more elements, at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily encompassing at least one of all elements specifically listed in the list of elements, nor any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relating to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements. Therefore, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently “at least one of A or B,” or equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can, in one embodiment, refer to at least one A which does not include B (and optionally includes elements other than B) and optionally includes multiple A's; in another embodiment, refer to at least one B which does not include A (and optionally includes elements other than A) and optionally includes multiple B's; in yet another embodiment, refer to at least one or optionally multiple A's and at least one or optionally multiple B's (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0068] When the term “about” is used herein in reference to a number, it should be understood that, in yet another aspect of the disclosure, it also includes numbers that are not altered by the presence of the word “about.”

[0069] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, it should also be understood that in any method claimed herein that encompasses multiple steps or actions, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are described.

[0070] In the claims and the above specification, it should be understood that all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” and “composed of” are open, meaning they include but are not limited to them. As described in Section 2111.03 of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Prosecution Manual, respectively, only the transitional phrases “consist of” and “essentially constitute” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.

Claims

1. Food and / or beverage additive comprising a sweetener containing: fructose present in an amount of 20% or more and 60% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; glucose present in an amount of 5% or more and 35% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; sorbitol present in an amount of 0.5% or more and 10% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; and sucrose present in an amount of 0% or more and 20% or less by weight, wherein the sweetener has one or more of the following characteristics: i) a Brix of 70 or more and 80 or less; ii) a glycemic index of 55 or less as measured in accordance with ISO26642:2010; and / or iii) a calorie count of 20 kilocalories or less per 4 grams of sweetener as measured using a cylinder calorimeter.

2. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 1, wherein the additive comprises a diluent (e.g., water).

3. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the additive further comprises one or more fruit components.

4. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more fruit components are derived from fruits selected from the group consisting of apples (e.g., apples, pears, quince, loquats, Chinese quince, rowan), citrus fruits (e.g., lemons, grapefruits, oranges), melons, berries and / or cohesive fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, elderberries, blackberries, currants, bananas, tomatoes, grapes, watermelons, pumpkins, melons), and drupes (e.g., mangoes, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots).

5. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 4, wherein the fruit is an apple.

6. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 3, wherein one or more fruit components include peel / rind, flesh / pulp, kernel, seed, sepal, pistil and / or pedicel.

7. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 3, wherein one or more fruit components include a liquid (e.g., an extract, concentrate, juice, nectar, or syrup).

8. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the additive is in the form of a powder or granules.

9. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the additive is in liquid form.

10. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the additive comprises an aqueous solution containing a sweetener.

11. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the additive has a shelf life of one year or more, two years or more, or three years or more at room temperature.

12. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sweetener is water-soluble.

13. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sweetener is substantially colorless and / or substantially odorless.

14. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sweetener further comprises one or more low-glycemic and / or low-calorie natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

15. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising stevia, aspartame, erythritol, cane sugar, monk fruit, and / or other natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

16. A consumer food product comprising: a food product; and a coating agent and / or powder, wherein the coating and / or powder comprises a sweetener, the sweetener comprising: fructose present in an amount of 20% or more and 60% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; glucose present in an amount of 5% or more and 35% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; sorbitol present in an amount of 0.5% or more and 10% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; and sucrose present in an amount of 0% or more and 20% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener.

17. The consumer food product according to claim 16, wherein the consumer food product meets the FDA standard for the “sugar-free” designation in accordance with 21 CFR 101.60(c).

18. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the coating and / or powder further comprises one or more fruit components.

19. An edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein one or more fruit components are derived from fruits selected from the group consisting of apples (e.g., apples, pears, quince, loquats, Chinese quince, rowan), citrus fruits (e.g., lemons, grapefruits, oranges), melons, berries and / or cohesive fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, elderberries, blackberries, currants, bananas, tomatoes, grapes, watermelons, pumpkins, melons), and drupes (e.g., mangoes, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, etc.).

20. The edible consumer product according to claim 19, wherein the fruit is an apple.

21. The edible consumer product according to claim 18, wherein one or more fruit components include peel / rind, flesh / pulp, kernel, seed, sepal, pistil and / or pedicel.

22. The edible consumer product according to claim 18, wherein one or more fruit components include a liquid (e.g., an extract, concentrate, juice, nectar, or syrup).

23. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the coating and / or powder is in granular form.

24. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the coating is in the form of a liquid.

25. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the coating comprises an aqueous solution containing a sweetener.

26. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the sweetener has a shelf life of one year or more, two years or more, or three years or more at room temperature.

27. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the sweetener is water-soluble.

28. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the sweetener is substantially colorless and / or substantially odorless.

29. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising one or more low-glycemic and / or low-calorie natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

30. An edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising stevia, aspartame, erythritol, cane sugar, monk fruit, and / or other natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

31. A consumer food product comprising: a beverage; and an additive containing a sweetener, wherein the sweetener comprises: fructose present in an amount of 20% or more and 60% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; glucose present in an amount of 5% or more and 35% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; sorbitol present in an amount of 0.5% or more and 10% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener; and sucrose present in an amount of 0% or more and 20% or less by weight relative to the total weight of the sweetener.

32. The consumer food product according to claim 31, wherein the consumer food product satisfies the FDA standard for the “sugar-free” designation in accordance with 21 CFR 101.60(c).

33. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the additive further comprises one or more fruit components.

34. An edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein one or more fruit components are derived from fruits selected from the group consisting of apples (e.g., apples, pears, quince, loquats, Chinese quince, rowan), citrus fruits (e.g., lemons, grapefruits, oranges), melons, berries and / or cohesive fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, elderberries, blackberries, currants, bananas, tomatoes, grapes, watermelons, pumpkins, melons), and drupes (e.g., mangoes, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, etc.).

35. The edible consumer product according to claim 34, wherein the fruit is an apple.

36. The edible consumer product according to claim 33, wherein one or more fruit components include peel / rind, flesh / pulp, kernel, seed, sepal, pistil and / or pedicel.

37. The edible consumer product according to claim 33, wherein one or more fruit components include a liquid (e.g., an extract, concentrate, juice, nectar, or syrup).

38. The food consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the additive is in the form of a powder and / or granules.

39. The food consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the additive is in liquid form.

40. The food consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the additive comprises an aqueous solution containing a sweetener.

41. The food consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the additive has a shelf life of one year or more, two years or more, or three years or more at room temperature.

42. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the sweetener is water-soluble.

43. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the sweetener is substantially colorless and / or substantially odorless.

44. The edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 43, further comprising one or more low-glycemic and / or low-calorie natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

45. An edible consumer product according to any one of claims 1 to 44, further comprising stevia, aspartame, erythritol, cane sugar, monk fruit, and other natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

46. Food and / or beverage additive comprising: an apple-derived sweetener containing fructose, glucose, sorbitol, and sucrose, wherein the sweetener has a Brix of 70 or more and 80 or less, and a glycemic index of 55 or less as measured according to ISO 26642:2010.

47. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 46, wherein the additive comprises a diluent (e.g., water).

48. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein the additive further comprises one or more fruit components.

49. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein one or more fruit components are derived from fruits selected from the group consisting of apples (e.g., apples, pears, quince, loquats, Chinese quince, rowan), citrus fruits (e.g., lemons, grapefruits, oranges), melons, berries and / or cohesive fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, elderberries, blackberries, currants, bananas, tomatoes, grapes, watermelons, pumpkins, melons), and drupes (e.g., mangoes, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots).

50. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 49, wherein the fruit is an apple.

51. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 48, wherein one or more fruit components include peel / rind, flesh / pulp, kernel, seed, sepal, pistil and / or pedicel.

52. The food and / or beverage additive according to claim 48, wherein one or more fruit components include a liquid (e.g., an extract, concentrate, juice, nectar, or syrup).

53. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein the additive is in the form of a powder or granules.

54. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the additive is in liquid form.

55. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein the additive comprises an aqueous solution containing a sweetener.

56. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the additive has a shelf life of one year or more, two years or more, or three years or more at room temperature.

57. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 56, wherein the sweetener is water-soluble.

58. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 57, wherein the sweetener is substantially colorless and / or substantially odorless.

59. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 58, wherein the sweetener further comprises one or more low-glycemic and / or low-calorie natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

60. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 59, further comprising stevia, aspartame, erythritol, cane sugar, monk fruit, and other natural and / or artificial sweeteners.

61. A food and / or beverage additive according to any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein the additive has a caloric count of 20 kilocalories or less per 4 grams of sweetener, as measured using a gas cylinder calorimeter.

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