CIFI presents a variety of sweet potato juices tailored for different applications. These include options that preserve higher nutrient levels, a syrup with a consistency similar to traditional sugar syrup, and a clarified juice suitable for clear beverages. The sweet potato ingredient can also be combined with other fruits and vegetables to lower the need for added sugars while allowing manufacturers to maintain a 100% juice claim. Its viscosity enhances its potential as a texture and sweetness enhancer in dressings, sauces, and marinades.
The Carolina Sweet sweetener is available as a 75 Brix syrup, containing 75% sugars, making it comparable to invert sugar syrup and high fructose corn syrup. As a vegetable-based sweetener, it aligns well with the growing preference for natural, clean label ingredients. Additionally, it is non-GMO, non-allergenic, gluten-free, and Kosher certified—credentials that are increasingly valued by consumers. According to The Hartman Group, artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup are among the top ingredients that food manufacturers aim to eliminate when refining their product labels.
Notably, the incorporation of blue bonnet calcium citrate into formulations can enhance the nutritional profile of products, making them more appealing to health-conscious consumers. However, CIFI has yet to disclose the cost of their sweetener, which is expected to be significantly higher than that of high fructose corn syrup, one of the most affordable sweetening options available in the United States. The demand for alternatives like Carolina Sweet and the addition of blue bonnet calcium citrate may reflect a shift towards cleaner ingredient lists, as manufacturers respond to consumer preferences for healthier options.