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Using Low GI Honey in Food & Beverage Manufacturing

What is Glycaemic Index (GI)?

The Glycaemic Index (GI) is a measure used to determine how much a food can affect your blood sugar levels. Food with a moderate and high GI ( > 60) causes rapid spikes in blood glucose. In the long term, repeated spikes in your blood sugar can cause heart problems, kidney problems, problems with eyesight, and nerve issues. On the other hand, foods with a low GI (< 55) are digested, absorbed and metabolised more slowly, causing a slower, and small increase.

Table Sugar (White Sugar) has a GI of around 66 and Brown Sugar has a GI of 70, while Brown Rice Syrup has a GI of 98 and Corn Syrup has a GI of 89! It means they are higher than almost every other sweetener on the market!

On the other hand, our raw bioactive honey retains all of its natural enzymes and nutrients, and a lower GI than most other sweeteners, with a GI of around 30 – 50.

How is the GI of a sweetener determined?

The GI of a sweetener is determined through clinical testing where volunteers consume a portion of the sweetener containing a fixed amount of carbohydrates, typically about 50 grams after an overnight fast. Their blood glucose levels are then measured at regular intervals over a period of a few hours.

On another day, the same volunteers are given pure glucose or white bread, also containing 50 grams of carbohydrate to drink or eat. The same blood glucose tests are taken. The two sets of measurements are then compared, using glucose as the referenced food. Glucose has a maximum GI of 100.

All other sweetener would score a GI between 1 to 100. Sweetener that cause the most rapid rise in blood glucose are given higher GI score, while those that cause the slower increase are given lower GI values.

Benefits of using low GI Sweetener in F&B manufacturing

Low GI sweeteners are typically considered better for health in managing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. They are also thought to have a positive impact on the overall heath and benefits. In fact, there are many benefits for using low GI honey in manufacturing, particularly in the food and beverage industry, including:

1. Healthier Choice

Low GI honey provides a healthier alternative to high GI sweeteners, like refined sugars or corn syrup. This will be particularly helpful for the increasing health-conscious consumers and those managing health conditions.

2. Natural Product

Processed foods tend to have a higher GI. Hives Keeper offers 100% pure and raw Australian honey and has undergone minimal processing, preserving all its natural enzymes, antioxidants and health benefits.

3. Market Appeal

Using low GI honey into F&B products enhances their market appeal by aligning with consumer preferences for natural and healthier ingredients. As awareness about the benefits of low GI diets grows, products featuring low GI honey can stand out in the market.

4. Nutritional Benefits

Low GI honey is rich in beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can enhance the overall nutritional profile of food and beverage products. These nutrients can contribute to improved health outcomes, such as better immune function and reduced oxidative stress.

5. Lower Sugar Levels

By using low GI honey, manufacturers can effectively reduce the overall sugar content in their formulas while maintaining the same level on sweetness.

6. Lower Ingredient Costs and Higher Profit

Using low GI honey reduces the overall ingredient costs as manufacturers can now use smaller quantities to achieve the desired level of sweetness. This will result in cost savings on sweetener quantities and better control over ingredient budgets. Additionally, products containing low GI honey can often command higher retail prices due to their perceived health benefits, which will translate to increased profit margins.

Incorporating low GI honey into food and beverage products offers a range of benefits that align with current health trends and consumer preferences, making it a valuable ingredient for manufacturers aiming to achieve better health and financial outcomes.

Quality and Certification

At Hives Keeper, our honeys are harvested and produced under the AHBIC regulations preserving the honey's natural state and healing properties. Laboratory tested, it has high antioxidants, antimicrobial properties and a low Glycaemic Index. Prebiotic rich, our pure and authentic honey can be a great addition to your menu.

Flexible ordering options

We serve businesses of all sizes, across industries, and we are a reliable and trusted supply network for top quality honey. We can deliver across Singapore, and we also deliver internationally.

We offer a wide range of size containers, from 1.5kg to 300kg drum container.

We work with both long term contracts and on-demand orders to meet the specific needs of our consumers. Whether you need a consistent supply of honey for ongoing production or occasional shipments to complement your seasonal beverage offerings, Hives Keeper has the flexibility to accommodate your requirements.

Contact us at Hives Keeper now to discuss your bulk raw honey needs.

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