🎧 The Science Behind Non-Caloric Sweeteners with Dr. Grant DuBois

In this episode, we take a closer look at the science and business of developing non-caloric sweeteners for the food and beverage industry.

Let's face it: Americans have a penchant for sweet foods and drinks. However, the health implications of consuming large amounts of sugar are concerning. For years, food and beverage chemists have been on a quest for non-caloric sweeteners, and several innovative products have emerged in the market. This week, we delve into the science of sweet tastes and explore how experts in biochemistry and physiology have developed zero-calorie sugar alternatives for various products. Joining us is Dr. Grant E. DuBois, a specialist in non-caloric sweetener technologies. He has dedicated his career to pioneering new flavor technologies and has worked with leading companies like Searle Pharmaceutical Co., The Coca-Cola Company, Almendra, and Crave Crush LLC. During our conversation, we will address the following questions:

1. Most synthetic and natural noncaloric sweeteners are not commercially viable; what are the metrics for commercial viability of noncaloric sweeteners?

2. How do sweeteners activate taste bud receptors and initiate electrical nerve impulses to the brain?

3. Noncaloric sweeteners do not taste like sugar. Why?

4. What is the bio-rationale for the lingering sweet aftertaste of noncaloric sweeteners?

5. Can noncaloric sweeteners be formulated to reduce or eliminate lingering sweet aftertaste?

6. Noncaloric sweetener formulations in beverages lack the mouthfeel of sugar-sweetened beverages; can they be formulated to reproduce the mouthfeel of sugar-sweetened beverages?

About Grant

Dr. Grant E. DuBois is an Organic Chemist (BS Chemistry & Mathematics / Capital University; PhD Organic Chemistry / SUNY at Buffalo; Postdoc / Stanford University). Grant was recipient of a Distinguished Alumnus Award / Capital University and was awarded entry to his high school Wall of Fame.

Grant began his professional career with Dynapol Co. (sweetener research) and then joined Syva Co. (immunoassay fluorescent probes). Subsequently, he joined Searle Pharmaceutical Co. (sweetener research) which led to the development of neotame. Grant then joined The Coca-Cola Co. where he was named the company’s first Research Fellow. This research led to:

• First 0-calorie frozen beverages;

• First sweetener receptor positive allosteric modulators (Senomyx collaboration); and

• GRAS approval of stevia sweetener rebaudioside A.

In 2012, Grant joined stevia sweetener manufacturer Almendra, as CSO. Grant’s Almendra research led to a breakthrough formulation technology, markedly improving the tastes of all sweeteners. Concurrently, Grant served as VP Research for Crave Crush LLC and developed a gymnemic acid based dietary supplement for treatment of obesity and diabetes, commercialized as Sweet Defeat

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Yours in health, Dr. Quave

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Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, speaker, podcast host, wife, mother, explorer, and professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She teaches college courses and leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription, with founding members receiving an autographed 1st edition hardcover copy of her book, The Plant Hunter.

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