VEVEY, Switzerland -- Nestle's newest candy bar uses 30% less sugar than its counterparts, setting a standard for manufacturers and consumers looking to trim sugar and calories from their products or diet. The Milkybar Wowsomes, Nestle’s first chocolate bar made from the company's new sugar-reduction technology, will land in convenience stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland in coming weeks.
In 2016, Nestle researchers in Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic discovered a way to reduce sugar use by up to 40% without hindering the taste of chocolate, according to the company. They created a sugar that dissolves more quickly on the tongue, which provided the same sweetness as chocolate despite using less sugar.
The Milkybar Wowsome launch encompasses Nestle’s goal to create healthier candies while maintaining their original taste. The company started its sugar-reduction initiative in 2000, when it announced its goal to reduce sugar in its products by 10% by 2016. Today, Nestle wants to reduce that sugar an by additional 5% by 2020.
Nestle’s new Milkybar Wowsomes use natural ingredients such as milk, oat cereal and fiber and contain no sweeteners. In previous years, Nestle and other confection companies have looked to address obesity and reduce sugar, fat and salt to address consumer and parent demands for healthier options. In 2007, Nestle transitioned all its products to using all-natural ingredients.
The chocolate giant is not the first company to experiment with designer molecules. In 2010, PepsiCo launched a salt molecule that would supposedly use less sodium while maintaining the natural flavor of its snacks, such as Doritos and Cheetos.
Vevey, Switzerland-based Nestle is a leading food and beverage company with more than 2,000 brands distributed in nearly 200 countries around the world.
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