Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Cargill that it has no objection to the conclusion of an independent expert panel that sucromalt is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food. Sucromalt, which is marketed under Cargill’s Xtend brand, is derived from sucrose and maltose and exudes a clean, sweet taste. The ingredient provides consumers with the full energy of both glucose and fructose, but with a lower glycemic response. Xtend sucromalt can be used in soft chews, nutrition bars and cereal bars, and in some applications, it can create a simpler label by reducing or eliminating the use of starch and sweetener ingredients.

“Cargill is uniquely positioned to help customers develop exciting new solutions for consumers, who are watching their dietary sugar intake and seeking a source of balanced energy,” said Deborah Schultz, Xtend product line manager, Cargill Health & Nutrition. “The FDA’s letter gives our customers added assurance that Xtend sucromalt is safe and is regulatory compliant for its intended uses.”