• FoodTech start-up CarobWayTM, Ltd. has launched its first low glycemic index (GI) clean label sweetener.
Bringing the nutritional benefits of the ancient carob fruit to the modern consumer's table, the new CarobWay sweetener is derived from whole carob fruit, also known as carob, and supports health and well-being while providing a sweet taste to dishes.
The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) belongs to the family Leguminosae (syn. Fabaceae) of the order Rosales and is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean basin. Turkey is one of the homelands of wild and cultivated rutabagas. The fruit is a pod with pulp and seeds, the pulp accounting for 90% of its total weight when dry.
Although there are no exact statistics available on annual world production, approximately 315.000 tons of carobs are produced per year. Turkey contributes 4,8% of carob production, with the other main producing and exporting countries being Spain, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Greece and Cyprus.
Carobs – rich in nutrients
Carobs are a rich source of polyphenolic sugars, minerals and antioxidants. Recent studies have focused particularly on the nutraceutical components of this fruit, and carob has been shown to be effective in reducing blood LDL cholesterol and postprandial blood sugar in patients with type II diabetes, due to a compound called D-pinitol, a carbohydrate which has an insulin-like effect. As a rule, carob pods are ground and used in powder form, partially or even completely replacing cocoa powder.
The natural sugar substitute produced by CarobWay can be used to sweeten almost any food or drink, adding the nutritional profile of carobs. Unlike most carob-based sweeteners, which can have a slight bitter note, CarobWay sweetener is clean and flavorful, with delicate, pleasant caramel notes.
CarobWay sweetener produces zero waste, is made from seedless pods and is available as a syrup. And, following extensive research, the company's specialists chose for its production specific carob varieties that grow locally and whose fruits are particularly aromatic.
Moreover, the approach of the CarobWay company is focused on the path of the environment, a proven and chosen mission the carob for the innovative sweetening product. By their very nature, carobs have high carbon sequestration and storage capacities and can be grown successfully on marginal land. They support ecosystem diversity and even help prevent forest fires.
Protecting the environment
The start-up CarobWay integrates the program into its operations "Farm to Fork", and is committed to fair trade practices while ensuring a stable supply chain. Eliminating waste and preserving all the qualities of carob, it uses the whole fruit – seeds and pulp – to create innovative ingredients for the food industry, food supplements and cosmetics, with scientifically proven effectiveness.
The unique composition of the new sweetener includes various sugars, plus polyol D-pinitol, as well as traces of soluble fiber and polyphenols. D-pinitol, about 50% as sweet as sucrose, is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and especially carob fruit. To date, more than 30 beneficial bioactivities of D-pinitol have been revealed through numerous studies published in specialized journals.
First, research showed that people who consumed carob syrup and powder rich in D-pinitol had lower blood glucose levels compared to the control group. Researchers suggest that this effect may be due to its possible insulin-like function and strong natural anti-diabetic and insulin-regulating capabilities. But it has also shown promise as a potential anti-Alzheimer's, anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active substance, and in addition has the ability to support immunity and liver health.
Suitable in restrictive diets
CarobWay conducted a study of bioavailability using the model shim in vitro, a dynamic simulation system that mimics the conditions and functionality of the human digestive system, allowing researchers to study the enzymatic activity on food compounds as they encounter the stomach and small intestine.
The study showed that D-pinitol is bioavailable (absorbed quickly and in sufficient quantity to be effective), while the other sugars in carob are absorbed slowly. This is good news for pre-diabetic consumers who can now enjoy pastries and sweets. Following promising results from CarobWay researchers' studies of carob-based ingredients, the Israeli start-up launched a plant-based energy bar and CarobWay sweetener gummies.
With consumers looking for clean label products that are better for their health and better for the planet, creating a sweetener that meets these demands is difficult. But CarobWay sweetener is a natural sweetener, an ingredient that helps food and beverage companies achieve a cleaner label for their products.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
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