Pure and Applied Chemistry

Abstract: Noncaloric functional beverages are a key segment in the rapidly growing functional food market. Erythritol, an all-natural bulk sweetener, offers sensorial as well as functional benefits for use in such beverages. It can improve taste quality by adding body and mouthfeel, and it is capable of masking unwanted off-flavors often associated with intense sweeteners. In addition, erythritol can strengthen the functional concept since it is noncaloric, noncariogenic, and nonglycemic, and it has antioxidant properties.