Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are a strategy to lower sugar intake, but aspects hamper NNS use. Replacing sugar with NNS will affect taste. There are also discussions around potential health risks. The precise implications of health effects are still unknown, we need more insights into possible health effects. SWEETSPOT is a multi-disciplinary project aiming to enhance understanding of how NNS affect texture and flavor and how the consumption of foods containing NNS might impact health.

SWEETSPOT contributes to the intended changes of mission 4D which are specified in the guidance document by:

Healthier Food Choices: 4D aims to promote healthier and sustainable food choices among consumers. By focusing on achieving a better understanding of the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) on human health and promoting the use of NNS as a healthier alternative to sugar in food and beverages, SWEETSPOT aims to encourage consumers to opt for products with reduced sugar content through the adoption of NNS. Furthermore, the project intends to provide clinical causal data that contributes to the ongoing public discourse regarding the health effects of NNS. SWEETSPOT's significance extends to policymakers, as its outcomes can play a pivotal role in facilitating well-informed decisions with far-reaching implications for public health and dietary regulations

Furthermore, it aligns with the concept of chain-wide collaboration in the food supply. It involves various stakeholders in the food industry, including ingredient suppliers, end-product manufacturers, and researchers to optimize the use of NNS in food and beverage production. Involving consumers in the process by considering taste preferences and product attributes ensures that the food supply aligns with consumer expectations and encourages acceptance of NNS-based products.

This project connects with: Programma 4D - Duurzaam en gezond voedselaanbod en consumentengedrag.