Reformulating ice cream to improve postprandial glucose response: an opportunity for industry to create shared value

TL;DR

This study shows that a no-added-sugar ice cream can improve blood sugar responses in people with type 2 diabetes, but still contains natural sugars that affect glucose levels.

Contribution

The paper introduces a reformulated ice cream with no added sugar and demonstrates its better postprandial glucose response in diabetic individuals.

Findings

No-added-sugar ice cream showed better postprandial glycemic response than conventional ice cream in type 2 diabetes patients.

Natural sugars in the no-added-sugar ice cream still caused a significant glucose response.

Clear communication is needed to clarify that 'no-added-sugar' does not mean 'zero total sugar.'

Abstract

Ultra-processed foods are associated with metabolic dysfunction and driving chronic diseases. The Metabolic Matrix is a tool used to reformulate products to promote positive metabolic outcomes. The Kuwait Danish Dairy Company (KDD) has used this tool to develop a no-added-sugar products. This clinical trial tested the glycaemic response of a no-added-sugar ice cream in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The hypothesis was that the no-added-sugar ice cream would have a substantially better postprandial glycemic response than conventional ice cream in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this randomized cross over designed study, postprandial glycemic response was measured after 300 grams of no-added-sugar ice cream or normal ice cream was consumed. Despite similar composition and palatability, the postprandial responses were better with the no-added sugar ice cream, albeit that the natural sugar in the product still resulted in a marked postprandial glycaemic response. This finding emphasizes the necessity of clearly communicating to both patients and healthcare professionals that “no-added-sugar” does not equate to “zero total sugar.” The path to improved metabolic health involves not only product improvement but also transparent messaging to enable informed dietary choices. Reformulation resulting in palatable no-added sugar products provides an opportunity for companies to Create Shared Value by addressing the important social problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, by creating scalable solutions, that are profitable.

Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifiers NCT06135935.

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