Laxatives aren't a turn off

Consumers are not put off by laxative warnings about polyols on packs, according to new research from starch giant Roquette.

Under EU legislation, products containing more than 10% polyols (low calorie starch derivatives such as maltitol, xylitol and sorbitol) must state on pack: 'Excessive consumption may produce a laxative effect'.

This has historically put some manufacturers off using them to replace sugar in reduced-calorie/ sugar products, admitted Roquette business development manager Martin Tatlock.

However, new research suggested their fears were unfounded. Consumers questioned in a series of focus groups in Sunbury and Birmingham said laxative warnings had no bearing on their decision to buy low sugar products, explained Tatlock.

"Food manufacturers will be surprised by this research as they have very real concerns in this area. In fact, this is not a major issue for consumers at all."

Maltitol is widely used in no added sugar or low sugar confectionery, as it can be used to replace sugar on a 1:1 basis. It is non-cariogenic (tooth-friendly), has a low-glycaemic index and contains about half the calories of sugar.

Research into the preferred polyol for chewing gum coatings (xylitol, isomalt or maltitol) revealed maltitol to be by far the most popular among consumers owing to its superior flavour release and crunchiness, he added. "As it is almost as sweet as sucrose, you don't typically need to add high intensity sweeteners as well."