The subject of sweeteners continues to advance and expand, but the progress that is being made may not be apparent for all to see, owing to changes that have been taking place in how research is funded and the locations where it is now mainly done. In former times scientific advancement was rated as a prized part of the output of academic research laboratories and institutions. Today, however, it is increasingly likely that major advances emanate chiefly from the research and development units of industrial and commercial enterprises and organisations. This means of course that the work becomes more focused on achieving specific marketing objectives, but because of the high level of commitment, cost and dedicated input required, publication of the findings tends to take a lower priority, and may actually be barred if there is any risk of loss of the commercial edge or advantage which has been one of the targets of the research. Thus one of the objects of preparing this book has been to collect together information that might otherwise remain unpublished on advances in the field of sweeteners. Of the fifteen contributions which form the chapters, only 13% originate from academic departments, whereas in earlier books of reviews on similar topics, contributions from academic sources accounted for as much as 50% (Developments in Sweeteners, vols 2 and 3, 1987 and 1989) and 64% (Progress in Sweeteners, 1989).

Molecular Structure And Sweet Taste. Essential Information on Regulatory and Legislative Matters Pertaining to Sweeteners in the UK and EU. Regulatory Processes for New Sweeteners in the USA. Physiological Properties for Polyols in Comparison with Easily Metabolisable Saccharides. Versatility of Maltitol in Different Forms as a Sugar Substitute. Basic Structure and Metabolism of Isomalt. Properties and Applications of Isomalt and Other Bulk Sweeteners in Food Products. Nutritional Properties and Applications of Erythritol: A Unique Combination?. Sweet Taste and Solution. Properties of Alpha Alpha Trehalose as a Cryoprotectant Sugar. Intense Sweeteners and Calorie Control: The Weight of a Body of Evidence. Features of Alitame as a New High-Intensity Sweetener. Neohesperidine Dihydrochalcone: Recent Finding and Technical Advances. The Uses and Commercial Developments of Sucralose. The Blending of Sweeteners: Applications and Safety Issues. Cultural and Legislative Influences on the Consumption of High Intensity Sweeteners in Europe. References. Index