Sensory Studies of High Potency Multiple Sweetener Systems for Shortbread Cookies with and without Polydextrose

Time-intensity (TI) sweetness and bitterness curves determined for six potent sweetener combinations with and without polydextrose were compared to sucrose in shortbread cookies. Hardness, fracturability and cohesiveness of shortbreads were determined. Sweetener combinations of aspartame/cyclamate, aspartame/cyclamate/saccharin, acesulfame K/saccharin, aspartame/saccharin/acesulfame K, acesulfame K/aspartame and aspartame/saccharin gave sweetener TI profiles similar to that of sucrose. Bitterness TI profiles were similar for all potent sweetener combinations but higher than for sucrose. Polydextrose increased hardness and fracturability and decreased cohesiveness of cookies compared to those made with high potency sweeteners without polydextrose. Textural characteristics of polydextrose cookies approached those of sucrose shortbreads.     

Sensory Characteristics of Sucralose and other High Intensity Sweeteners

The sensory characteristics of the high potency sweetener sucralose were studied relative to sucrose, aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame-K in a simple aqueous system. Trained panelists provided sweetness intensity estimates for each sweetener at six concentration steps using magnitude estimation. Taste profiles were obtained using category scaling procedures. Results indicated that (a) sucralose, aspartame, and sucrose had similar taste properties, (b) the psychophysical sweetness function of sucralose was similar to the other sweeteners studied, and (c) sweetness potencies of all sweeteners were concentration dependent with sucralose having the highest potency values ranging from 400–700 times the sweetness of sucrose on a weight basis.     

High‐intensity sweeteners in espresso coffee: ideal and equivalent sweetness and time–intensity analysis

The efficient substitution of sucrose by a sweetener in beverages requires the application of some sensory techniques. First, one must determine the concentrations of the sweeteners under study, equivalent in sweetness to the ideal sucrose concentration. In addition, it is fundamental to determine which is most similar to sucrose. The objectives of this study were to determine the ideal sweetness for espresso coffee and the equivalent concentrations in sweetness of different sweeteners, as well as characterise the time–intensity profile of each sweetener in relation to sweetness. The sweeteners evaluated were sucralose, aspartame, neotame, a cyclamate/saccharin mixture (2:1) and stevia. The sucrose concentration considered ideal by consumers was 12.5% (w/v), and the equivalent concentrations of the sweeteners were 0.0159% for sucralose, 0.0549% for aspartame, 0.0016% for neotame, 0.0359% for the cyclamate/saccharin mixture and 0.0998% for stevia. The time–intensity analysis indicated that possibly the sweeteners neotame, aspartame and sucralose would be the best substitutes for sucrose.     

Dietary intake of artificial sweeteners by the Belgian population

This study investigated whether the Belgian population older than 15 years is at risk of exceeding ADI levels for acesulfame-K, saccharin, cyclamate, aspartame and sucralose through an assessment of usual dietary intake of artificial sweeteners and specific consumption of table-top sweeteners. A conservative Tier 2 approach, for which an extensive label survey was performed, showed that mean usual intake was significantly lower than the respective ADIs for all sweeteners. Even consumers with high intakes were not exposed to excessive levels, as relative intakes at the 95th percentile (p95) were 31% for acesulfame-K, 13% for aspartame, 30% for cyclamate, 17% for saccharin, and 16% for sucralose of the respective ADIs. Assessment of intake using a Tier 3 approach was preceded by optimisation and validation of an analytical method based on liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Concentrations of sweeteners in various food matrices and table-top sweeteners were determined and mean positive concentration values were included in the Tier 3 approach, leading to relative intakes at p95 of 17% for acesulfame-K, 5% for aspartame, 25% for cyclamate, 11% for saccharin, and 7% for sucralose of the corresponding ADIs. The contribution of table-top sweeteners to the total usual intake (<1% of ADI) was negligible. A comparison of observed intake for the total population with intake for diabetics (acesulfame-K: 3.55 versus 3.75; aspartame: 6.77 versus 6.53; cyclamate: 1.97 versus 2.06; saccharine: 1.14 versus 0.97; sucralose: 3.08 versus 3.03, expressed as mg kg(-1) bodyweight day(-1) at p95) showed that the latter group was not exposed to higher levels. It was concluded that the Belgian population is not at risk of exceeding the established ADIs for sweeteners.     

Sweetness Adaptation of Some Carbohydrate and High Potency Sweeteners

A sip-and-swallow procedure designed to provide stimulation resembling normal drinking was employed to investigate adaptation to sweetness and sourness over time in a model beverage system. Intensity judgements were made using magnitude estimation. Adaptation to sweeteners (sucrose, HFCS, sucralose and aspartame) alone and in blends was evaluated. Different degrees of sweetness adaptation were observed. Sucrose and HFCS displayed less adaptation than the high potency sweeteners, sucralose and aspartame. Blends containing two high potency sweeteners adapted to a greater degree than the individual components. Blends containing a carbohydrate and a high potency sweetener showed less adaptation than those containing two high intensity sweeteners. Sourness adaptation was not demonstrated.     

SWEETNESS EQUIVALENCE OF DIFFERENT SWEETENERS IN STRAWBERRY‐FLAVORED YOGURT

ABSTRACT

To successfully substitute sucrose for sweeteners, further studies must be carried out based on previous knowledge of sweetener concentration to determine the equivalent sweetness of such compounds. In this work, sweetness equivalence of strawberry‐flavored yogurt with different sweeteners and/or their combinations (aspartame, acesulfame‐K, cyclamate, saccharin, stevia and sucralose) and yogurt sweetened with 11.5% w/w sucrose was measured using the sensory magnitude estimation method. The sweetness concentrations equivalent to strawberry yogurt sweetened with 11.5% w/w sucrose in the tested sweeteners were 0.072% w/w for aspartame, 0.042% w/w for aspartame/acesulfame‐K (2:1), 0.064% w/w for cyclamate/saccharin, 0.043% w/w for cyclamate/saccharin (2:1)/stevia (1.8:1) and 0.30% w/w for sucralose. These results can promote the use of different sweetener combinations in strawberry‐flavored yogurt, specially acesulfame‐K and stevia, once they produce more pleasing in this product.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study provides some useful information, since there is no data in the literature about sweetness equivalence of sweeteners in yogurt, but only in simpler matrices such as pure water, juices, coffee and teas. The use of stevia blend presented several advantages such as increased sweetening power, demonstrating the potential of this natural sweetener. The magnitude estimation method has been successful in this study, being an important tool for development of new low‐calorie products. It may be noted that when evaluating different types of food using the same kinds of sweeteners, these promote distinct characteristics and that reflect directly on the sensory quality of the final product. Thus, such studies generate important information for the food industries working with dietetic food.     

Fat Concentration Affects Sweetness and Sensory Profiles of Sucrose, Sucralose, and Aspartame

The sensory characteristics of sucralose, aspartame, and sucrose were studied in an unflavored lipid model system varying in fat levels. One study investigated the effects of fat on the potencies (vs. sucrose) of sucralose and aspartame. We also examined absolute changes in all three sweeteners in taste, temporal, and mouthfeel properties at fiied concentrations across a wide fat range. Results indicated a modest decrease in the potencies of sucralose and aspartame across fat concentrations, especially at lower sweetness levels. All sweeteners responded similarly to changes in fat concentration. Independent of fat level, sucralose was perceived more similar to aspartame in onset, bitterness, and aftertaste, than to sucrose.     

Different sweeteners in peach nectar: Ideal and equivalent sweetness

Many articles have been published with negative visions related to sugar, because people believe that its intake is related to obesity. For this reason, artificial sweeteners have received special attention. In order to substitute sucrose successfully, it is necessary to know previously sweetener concentrations that would be used and their sweetness equivalency related to sucrose. Hence, the objectives of this study were to determine the ideal sweetness in a peach nectar sweetened with sucrose, using a just-about-right scale, and the equivalent sweetness of samples sweetened with aspartame; cyclamate/saccharin blend 2:1; stevia; sucralose and acesulfame-K, using Magnitude Estimation. The concentration of sucrose considered as ideal by the consumers was 10%, with sweeteners’ equivalent concentrations of 0.054% for aspartame; 0.036% for cyclamate/saccharin blend 2:1; 0.10% for stevia; 0.016% for sucralose and 0.053% for acesulfame-K.     

Physicochemical and psychophysical characteristics of binary mixtures of bulk and intense sweeteners

Correlating psychophysical characteristics with physicochemical properties of sweeteners is of relevance to the understanding of the origin of sweetener synergy, an essential parameter for the food manufacturer. Psychophysical evaluation was carried out on bulk sweeteners (sucrose and maltitol) and intense sweeteners (aspartame, sodium cyclamate, acesulfam-K, alitame) in mixtures. The concentrations of mixtures were calculated to be equisweet to 10% sucrose and sweetness intensity was evaluated by reference to sucrose solutions using a “sip and spit” method. While a positive synergistic phenomenon is observed for sugar/sodium cyclamate and maltitol/acesulfamK mixtures, a significant suppression effect is obtained when aspartame is added to sugars. Additivity is observed for sucrose/alitame and sucrose/acesulfamK mixtures. The origin of these differences lies in the influence of the two molecules on water structure and in the nature of their hydration. From physicochemical properties (intrinsic viscosity, Huggins coefficient, apparent specific volume, hydration number, surface tension and contact angle), alitame and aspartame seem characterised by hydrophobic hydration; sodium cyclamate, as well as the bulk sweeteners, appear more compatible with water structure and possess hydrophilic hydration. ACK is differentiated from other sweeteners by a negative hydration. Synergy occurs when components with identical types of hydration are mixed. This phenomenon is accompanied by an increase in the mobility of water molecules in the proximity of bulk sweeteners (maltitol and sucrose) and a reduction of volume of the hydrated solute molecule. Inversely, suppression and additivity occur when constituents of the mixture possess different natures of hydration, as in sucrose/aspartame mixtures, and when physicochemical properties show a reduction of the mobility of water around the sweeteners. For suppression effects, an increase in volume of the hydration sphere is also observed. Interpretation of the sweetness of mixtures of sugars and artificial sweeteners, in terms of their compatibility with water structure, is of relevance at an economic level in food formulations.     

Sensory properties of some synthetic high‐intensity sweeteners in water solutions

BACKGROUND: When sucrose is eliminated from products to meet consumers' demand for calorie‐free products and substitutes are used, sweetness becomes an important characteristic. The objective of this study was to compare sensory properties of four sucrose substitutes: aspartame, acesulfame K, sodium saccharin and sodium cyclamate in water solutions. RESULTS: The lowest concentrations of sweeteners such as 0.35 g kg^?1 for aspartame and acesulfame K showed an equi‐sweet level relative to approx. 55 g kg^?1 aqueous sucrose solution, whereas 2.3 g kg^?1 sodium cyclamate and 0.4 g kg^?1 sodium saccharin relative to approx. 65 g kg^?1. Aspartame had almost the same sweetness potency as acesulfame K, whereas the remaining sweeteners differed completely. The four sweeteners showed their specific sensory profiles. Besides the characteristics of sweetness and bitterness, metallic and astringent attributes plus warming and cooling effects were found. CONCLUSIONS: Of the four sweeteners, aspartame and sodium cyclamate can be considered as the best sucrose substitutes due to their similar sensory profiles to the sucrose. The data showing the interdependence between sweetness intensity of the sweeteners and sucrose are useful as a quick and easy indicator of the sweetener amount having equi‐sweet levels relative to sucrose. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sensory Quality of Selected Sweeteners: Aqueous and Lipid Model Systems

The sweetness characteristics of sucrose, fructose, aspartame, acesulfame K, sodium saccharin and calcium cyclamate were studied in aqueous and lipid model food systems with and without lemon or vanilla flavoring. Anchored linear scales were used to evaluate sweetened model systems for initial, maximum and residual sweetness intensity and nonsweet aftertaste. Data were analyzed by analyses of variance. Flavor did not influence sweetness, except where residual sweetness was more intense in lemon and vanilla solutions than in plain solutions. No sweetener was perceived exactly like sucrose. Intensity and sweetness profiles varied between systems and among sweeteners. Character of the food system influenced perceptions of sweetness and aftertaste.     

Low-calorie sweeteners in food and food supplements on the Italian market

This study determines the occurrence and concentration levels of artificial low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) in food and food supplements on the Italian market. The analysed sample set (290 samples) was representative of the Italian market and comprised of beverages, jams, ketchups, confectionery, dairy products, table-top sweeteners and food supplements. All samples were analysed via UPLC-MS/MS. The method was in-house validated for the analysis of seven LCSs (aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, sucralose, cyclamate, neotame and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone) in food and for five LCSs (aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, cyclamate and sucralose) in food supplements. Except for cyclamate in one beverage which exceeded the maximum level (ML) with 13%, all concentrations measured in food were around or below the ML. In food supplements, 40 of the 52 samples (77%) were found to be above the ML, with exceedances of up to 200% of the ML.     

超高效液相色谱串联质谱同时测定酒类产品中多种人工合成甜味剂

建立超高效液相色谱-电喷雾电离串联质谱（ultra performance liquid chromatography-electro spray ionizationtandem mass spectrometry,UPLC-ESI-MS-MS）同时测定酒类产品中安赛蜜、糖精钠、甜蜜素、三氯蔗糖、阿斯巴甜、阿力甜和纽甜人工合成甜味剂的分析方法。方法采用ZORBAX Eclipse XDB-C18柱（100 mm×4.6 mm,1.8 μm）色谱柱,柱温50 ℃。流动相由A（甲醇）和B（体积分数0.1%甲酸和20 mmol/L甲酸铵溶液,pH 4.0）组成,流速为0.5 mL/min,梯度洗脱。在ESI负离子模式下,采用多反应监测模式进行测定,可以在12.5 min内完成7 种人工合成甜味剂的检测。安赛蜜、糖精钠、甜蜜素、三氯蔗糖、阿斯巴甜、阿力甜和纽甜在10～5 000 μg/L范围内有良好的线性关系,相关系数大于0.999。安赛蜜、糖精钠、甜蜜素、三氯蔗糖、阿斯巴甜、阿力甜和纽甜检出限分别为4、6、4、8、4、4、2 μg/L,回收率在88.3%～98.3%之间,相对标准偏差为2.1%～6.7%。该方法快速、准确,灵敏度高,适用于酒类产品中低含量人工合成甜味剂的测定。     

A COMPARISON OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS' STABILITY IN A LIME-LEMON FLAVORED CARBONATED BEVERAGE

Three intense sweeteners, aspartame, acesulfame‐K and sucralose, were incorporated singly in lime‐lemon flavored carbonated beverage in optimized concentrations on a sucrose equivalence basis at controlled pH conditions. The beverages were stored for 60 days at 4, 27 and 37C and the sweetener concentration determined by HPLC. The loss of aspartame was maximum (29.5%) while that of sucralose was minimum (1.9%) at the end of 60 days' storage at 37C. In the case of acesulfame‐K, the loss was 6.1%. Sucralose was more stable than the other sweeteners.     

The intake of intense sweeteners - an update review

Studies on the intakes of intense sweeteners in different countries published since the author's previous review in 1999 indicate that the average and 95th percentile intakes of acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamate and saccharin by adults are below the relevant acceptable daily intake (ADI) values. Fewer data are available for the newer sweeteners, sucralose and alitame, and because they are recent introductions to the market very low intakes were reported in those countries where they were available at the time of the intake study. Overall there has not been a significant change in the intakes of sweeteners in recent years. The only data indicating that the intake of an intense sweetener could exceed its ADI value were the 95th percentile intakes of cyclamate in children, particularly those with diabetes. This sub-group was identified as having high intakes of cyclamate in 1999, and recent studies have not generated reliable intake data to address this possibility.     

Sweetness Evaluation of Mixtures of Fructose with Saccharin, Aspartame or Acesulfame K

Some sensorial properties of synthetic sweeteners are limiting factors for use in low calorie soft drinks, By combining synthetic sweeteners with small fructose additions, these limitations can be overcome. Using paired comparison evaluation tests, nonlinear sweetness/concentration relations were established against sucrose, in acidified noncarbonated mineral water, for fructose, saccharin, aspartame and Acesulfame K. In binary combinations with fructose, sweetness additivity was demonstrated, for each of the three synthetic sweeteners. This is in contrast with literature reporting specific synergistic effects. By taking advantage of the high relative sweetness of fructose, low calorie soft drinks containing as little as 2–3% sugar could not be distinguished sensorially from traditional sucrose drinks.     

Influence of Package Visual Cues of Sweeteners on the Sensory‐Emotional Profiles of Their Products

Substantial evidence suggests influence of color, physical state, and other extrinsic features on consumer perception and acceptability of food products. In this study, 560 subjects evaluated liking and emotional responses associated with 5 sweeteners (sucralose, stevia, saccharin, aspartame, and sucrose) under 2 eliciting conditions: control (brand name only) and informed (brand name/packet image), to assess impact of the packet color. For a given condition, 5 identical tea samples each labeled with a sweetener type were rated for sweetness and overall liking (9‐point) and emotions (5‐point). Nonsignificant interactions between eliciting condition and sweetener type were found for liking attributes and emotions (except peaceful), indicating their independent effects. However, overall differences existed among sweetener types and eliciting conditions based on both hedonic and emotional responses (MANOVA, P < 0.05), suggesting modulating effects of packet color on sweetener type in the sensory‐emotion space. The sensory‐emotion profile for sucrose was separate from that of nonnutritive sweeteners, with statistically significant Mahalanobis distances among sample centroids. Increases in positive emotion intensities contrasted with a decrease in negative emotion intensities were observed for some sweeteners moving from the control to informed condition. Sweetness liking was strongly correlated with the emotion satisfied (sucralose, saccharin) only in the control condition, whereas it was strongly correlated with the emotions pleased and satisfied (stevia), disgusted (aspartame), and satisfied (sucrose) only in the informed condition. Overall, results suggested that sensory liking and emotions during the consumption experience are related not entirely to the type of sweetener, but also the color of the packet.     

Dietary intakes of six intense sweeteners by Irish adults

This research investigated the intakes of six intense sweeteners: acesulfame-K (E950), aspartame (E951), cyclamate (E952), saccharin (E954), sucralose (E955), and steviol glycosides (E960) in the diets of Irish adults, using data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey. A food label survey that included products currently available on the Irish market supplemented the analysis. Sweetener intakes were investigated using three different exposure scenarios; beginning with a crude assessment which assumed that all foods permitted to contain the additives of interest always did contain them, and at their maximum permitted level (Tier 1). Refined assessments estimated intakes of the six sweeteners using food consumption data up to brand level with additive occurrence data from a survey of products currently available on the Irish market (Tier 2) and sweetener concentration data (Tier 3). Results of all exposure assessment scenarios demonstrate that intakes of each of the sweeteners of interest by the total population were below the relevant ADI level (mg kg^?1 bodyweight^?1), even by high consumers (P99). The three sweeteners consumed in highest amounts were acesulfame-k, aspartame, and sucralose. The main sources of these sweeteners in the diet were ‘cider and perry’, ‘energy reduced and no added sugar (ER and NAS) carbonated flavoured drinks’, ‘table-top sweeteners’, ‘dairy products’, ‘solid food supplements’, and ‘sauces’. Intakes of the six intense sweeteners are currently not a concern among Irish adults. However, exposure to these chemicals should be monitored on a regular basis due to evolving market and consumption patterns.