Nestle discovers scientific breakthrough to cut sugar in chocolate bars

Yesterday the Swiss company Nestle announced a breakthrough in their research, that could lead to the company using up to 40% less sugar in your favourite chocolate bar. Chocolates like Kit Kat and Aero will potentially hold less sugar by 2018 but still hold their same great taste. Before this is put into effect, Nestle are working on a patent for the groundbreaking method of chocolate production, no doubt competitors will be chomping at the bit to find a similar solution in cutting sugar.

They made the announcement via Twitter yesterday:

We’ve taken the wraps off new tech that could mean up to 40% less #sugar in all our confectionery ??: https://t.co/GPx4BmMeUi pic.twitter.com/B9wHaWPtpl

— Nestlé (@Nestle) December 1, 2016

The research began in 2014, following a worldwide concern in developed countries on the issue of sugar’s nasty effects on health and disease. What Nestle’s scientists discovered is a process that changes the composition of sugar which enables it to dissolve much quicker. This new structure and process ‘fools the tastebuds‘ by heightening the level of sweetness.

According to The BBC, Nestle has been slowing reducing sugar levels in their products since 2007.

To put this into perspective, the average chocolate bar is about 50% sugar. A Kit Kat has 12.3g of sugar per serving, an Aero 14.4g of sugar and a Bar One 10.4g of sugar per serving.

The risks of excessive added sugar, have been ingrained in us for many years now with research indicating its contribution to Alzeimer’s and cancer. The drive to cut out sugar is seen in most well-followed diets from Paleo, Banting, the alkaline diet and diabetic eating plans.

Coca Cola also had a massive drive to cut out sugar adding Coke Zero and Coca Cola Life to their range of sugar-free drinks, seeing the growing market for alternatives to sugar. Their UK website even has an entire section dedicated to their mission in cutting out sugar in certain drinks.

These kinds of breakthroughs in food products we eat without blinking, can only benefit us, especially for kids and teens, and those less aware about the harms of added sugar. We hope the research continues for other South African brands and supermarkets.

What are your thoughts in having less sugar in your beloved chocolate bar? Tell us in the comments below.

(Images by iStock)