Functional mushroom-focused nutraceutical company MycoTechnology's natural food and beverage flavouring, ClearHT, has been deemed as GRAS by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association.
This news follows the results of a consumer survey, which revealed that 75% of respondents wish for a tasty but low-calorie sweetening option — suggesting the current options leave them feeling despondent.
The honey truffle-derived flavouring is the newest product in MycoTechnology's taste modulation portfolio, and is designed for use as a natural sweetener.
When used in small amounts within functional food and beverage formulations, it boosts notes of citrus and caramel, offering formulators a better-for-you and tasty alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.
According to MycoTechnology, ClearHT will be readily available to manufacturers operating in markets recognising the FEMA GRAS designation by the start of 2026.
The power of the honey truffle
Mattirolomyces terfezioides, otherwise known as the honey truffle, is one of the only truffles known to have a sweet taste, and is primarily found growing on black locust trees in Hungary.
It has been previously used in the culinary world in both desserts and entree dishes, offering a prolonged sweetness.
By using this truffle as a sweetening solution, food manufacturers can create products with a unique flavour profile, while allowing for sugar reduction in their recipes.
Utilising a natural flavour can also avoid the controversy associated with certain artificial sweeteners — including erythritol — which has been studied for its role in contributing to cardiovascular disease.
“Achieving FEMA GRAS status opens up a lot of new opportunities for us in many regions," noted Sue Potter, VP of Global Regulatory Affaris at MycoTechnology. "It also affirms ClearHT's safety as a natural flavouring, and through this designation we hope to expand the availability of our ingredient solutions to more markets globally."
“Our team has continued to demonstrate exceptional progress in scale-up, safety validation and applications development in preparation for commercial availability," added Jordi Ferre, MycoTechnology’s CEO.
"This approval marks another important step in our mission to promote healthier, better-tasting food and beverages.”