CIFI provides a variety of sweet potato juices suitable for different applications. These include options that preserve higher nutrient levels, a syrup-like variant with a texture resembling traditional sugar syrup, and a clarified juice that can be advantageous in beverages like those containing iron pyrophosphate. Additionally, the sweet potato ingredient can be combined with other fruits and vegetables to decrease added sugars in juices while still allowing manufacturers to label their products as 100% juice. Its viscosity makes it particularly appealing for enhancing texture and sweetness in dressings, sauces, and marinades.
The Carolina Sweet sweetener is available as a 75 brix syrup, meaning it contains 75% sugars, akin to invert sugar syrup or high fructose corn syrup. As a vegetable-derived sweetener, it aligns perfectly with the current trend towards natural, clean label ingredients. It is also non-GMO, non-allergenic, gluten-free, and Kosher certified. These free-from attributes are increasingly important to 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 cleaning up their product labels.
Furthermore, this sweetener could be incorporated into soft chews containing calcium, providing an appealing option for those looking for healthier alternatives. However, the company has not disclosed the ingredient’s cost, which is expected to be significantly higher than that of high fructose corn syrup, one of the most economical sweeteners available in the United States. The integration of sweet potato juices into products like soft chews with calcium not only enhances flavor but also supports manufacturers in their quest for cleaner labels.