German researchers have developed a protein-based sweetener called X3 to support the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s (BMEL) initiative to reduce sugar content in processed foods and beverages.
“One gram of the substitute is as sweet as approximately 10 kilograms of sugar,” explains Dr. Stefan Rasche, a scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME) in Aachen.
The modified Brazzein-based sweetener, which has a honey-like flavour profile, is practically calorie-free and does not cause cavities, making it a healthier alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.
The key ingredient, Brazzein, is a naturally occurring sweet-tasting protein found in the berries of Pentadiplandra brazzeana, a climbing shrub native to Nigeria, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike sugar, Brazzein does not contain sugar molecules but can be up to 2,000 times sweeter.
“A typical cola contains about 106 grams of sugar per litre, equating to 1,800 kilojoules (about 430 calories). Just a few milligrams of our sweet proteins (SP) are enough to achieve the same sweetness, significantly reducing calorie content,” says Rasche.
Drinks are the first target
Researchers at Fraunhofer IME and their project partners aim to replace sugar and existing sugar substitutes, particularly in beverages. As a first step, the sweetener will be incorporated into drinks. Early products featuring X3, such as low-protein, cocoa-based drink powders, are currently under development by metaX, one of the project partners.
So far, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of no more than 25 grams of sugar per person, equivalent to 5–10 teaspoons. However, a single glass of cola (250 ml) contains 27 grams of sugar, exceeding the daily recommendation.
“Compared to currently available artificial sweeteners, X3 offers a better taste, as confirmed by taste tests. Practically calorie-free, our modified Brazzein variant doesn’t cause cavities or impact blood sugar levels,” Rasche emphasizes.
In Canada, the economic burden of excessive sugar consumption in Canada is estimated to be at $5 billion a year.
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