Substituting sugar for tiger nut flour
In Israel, Strauss Group has achieved a 30% sugar reduction in its refined sweet milk chocolate bar.
By replacing sugar with two key ingredients – dietary fibre (17%) and ground tiger nut flour (5%) – the food giant was able to retain the sweet taste, while preserving the chocolate’s creamy texture.
The tiger nut tuber is a natural source of sweetness. According to Strauss, it has its roots in Spain, where it is integrated into the local food culture. It is also found in South America and the eastern states.
The tuber is rich in vitamins and minerals and non-water-soluble dietary fibre. It also contains fats similar to those found in olive oil. Other nutritional benefits include a high content of resistant probiotic starch, which ‘serves as a substrate to gut-friendly bacteria’.
Perhaps most important in this context, however, is the tuber’s slightly sweet taste. “In a complex development process, it was found to be a source of sweetness that could significantly reduce sugar while preserving the familiar taste of chocolate.”
After two years of research and development, the product launched in September last year. At the time, CEO of Strauss Israel Eyal Dror applauded the ‘international breakthrough’ in the field of chocolate.
“Thanks to creativity, expertise and professionalism in the field, we have succeeded in producing a new and improved recipe, offering the consumer a line of products that are healthier, while maintaining their great taste."
Image source: Strauss Group