Sugar-free hard candy concepts from BENEO

AT ISM 2017 in Cologne, BENEO, one of the leading manufacturers in functional ingredients, presented innovations in sugar-free hard candies.

The company’s Sweets Collection included a compilation of state-of-the-art sugar-free hard boiled candies that appeal to all senses with both a stunning visual appearance and great taste, thanks to BENEO’s unique sugar replacer, ISOMALT.  Visitors to the stand will be able to enjoy tasting a variety of samples from BENEO’s Sweets Collection that respond to the latest consumer trends such as sensorial sensation and ethnic positioning. 

Samples on offer from the Sweets Collection include the following sugar-free candies:

Fruit Veggie Twister (Orange-Carrot-Ginger Candy): This swirl candy includes a balanced combination of fruity and spicy flavors, tapping into the trend for vegetables in new categories.  According to Innova Market Insights, “the green light for vegetables” started with the rise of smoothies and juices combining fruits and vegetables. Since then, it has moved into dairy applications such as yoghurts and is set to give innovative ideas for the candy market with launches of new flavours and a healthy image. 

Hot-Cool-Booster: This stamped candy-in-candy is characterised by combining two opposite flavours with a thin chili-fruit layer covering the lemon-menthol core to create the ultimate sensorial experience. This innovative hot and cool flavour combination is the perfect answer for consumers increasingly searching for new taste sensations.

Mango Sticky Rice Delight: According to Mintel[1], authentic and traditional flavour are the most critical factors for consumers when buying or eating ethnic food. This side-by-side candy concept replicates a popular sweet dessert from Thailand but also popular throughout Asia. This specially designed candy combines the sweet taste of Thai honey mangoes with creamy coconut milk and fragrant rice to offer Asian consumers the familiar taste of home.

The world’s number one sugar replacer in sugar-free hard boiled candies from BENEO, ISOMALT, is present in all of the candies included in the Sweets Collection.  Derived from beet sugar, it has a mild, sugar-like sweet taste, meaning there is plenty of room for other flavours, allowing for completely unique taste combinations to be created. BENEO’s ISOMALT has received EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) health claims for both its low glycaemic and toothfriendly characteristics. Also, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a dental health claim. Both of which open up new marketing possibilities for confectionery producers.

BENEO’s team of experts for application technology (BENEO-Technology Center), as well as for market and consumer insights, are continuously developing innovative ideas to excite and stimulate the market for sugar-free hard boiled candies, or boilings. The company is supporting partners and customers closely throughout the complete product development process.

Thomas Schmidt, Marketing Director at BENEO comments: “As a leading ingredient manufacturer, BENEO is committed to delivering high quality ingredients, as well as new inspiration to the market through our innovation concepts.  With our new Sweets Collection, we want to stimulate the worldwide candy market with creative ideas that are in line with current consumers’ trends and at the same time appeal both in terms taste and appearance. Our new concepts will open the door to new and exciting possibilities for our customers, revitalising this very important market segment.”

[1] Mintel 2012, Authenticity is key ingredient in ethnic fare, reports Mintel