Beneo has released the results of its latest consumer report, which looked into the acceptance of and interest in tooth-friendly coated chocolate sweets by measuring price sensitivity.
With its expertise in developing new confectionery concepts and the non-cariogenic properties of its functional ingredient, Palatinose (isomaltulose), Beneo is confident that this positive reaction from consumers will lead to tooth-friendly sugar-coated chocolates being brought to market.
Dr Christian Niederauer, market research manager, Beneo, said: “The popularity of sweets such as M&Ms and Smarties show that the market is strong for these varieties of candy, and the results of our survey prove that consumers are ready for new and healthy alternatives. The best thing is, with Palatinose, tooth-friendly chocolate cores and coloured coatings are feasible without any undesired side effects.”
Beneo conducted its survey in Germany, surveying women aged 14 and over, Beneo found that participants liked the idea of tooth-friendly chocolate lenses with an average score of 1.74 being given by people who regularly eat such sweets (the scale was measured from 1=liked very much to 6=dislike it very much).
They also indicated their willingness to buy such a product if it became available in shops. Almost 90% of people who regularly eat sugar-coated chocolates, more than 95% of parents or guardians and more than one third of non-users are willing to try the new idea.
Measured indirectly ensuring a higher validity, it was also shown that participants would accept a 10% higher price for a tooth-friendly alternative.
Beneo’s Palatinose is the only fully digestible dissacharide that is tooth-friendly. Its non-cariogenic properties were recently positively evaluated by EFSA.
Naturally derived from sugar beet, Palatinose releases full carbohydrate energy over a longer period of time with little effect on blood glucose levels (GI 32). Being fully digestible, the functional sugar enables tooth-friendly chocolate and coatings without experiencing any side effects.
Source: Beneo
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