Redpoint Developing a Sweet Alternative

The biotechnology company Redpoint (Ewing, NJ) has announced that it has developed a new all-natural sweetener, RP44. Redpoint claims RP44 “demonstrated enhancement results” with common sweeteners, including sucrose, fructose, and high-fructose corn syrup. The independent laboratory that conducted taste tests with RP44 also found that the sweetener “enables reduction of up to 25% of the caloric sweetener content in product prototypes,” according to Redpoint.

Redpoint CEO Ray Salemme has publicized strong interest in further development and marketing of RP44.

“We believe that the development of an all-natural sweetness enhancer…can permit the development of new food and beverage products that require reduced amounts of [highly caloric] sweeteners,” said Salemme. “In addition, RP44 has the potential to reduce overall ingredient costs for manufacturers, along with creating healthier products for consumers due to lower calorie content.”

According to Redpoint, they expect to develop RP44 by obtaining GRAS status. Ultimately they hope to market the product with food and beverage companies. As a result of research into healthier approaches to food, the company has vested much research into RP44, they said. If proven successful, the sweetener may give stevia a run for its money in the natural sweetener product aisle.