A low glycemic index sugar produced by the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative’s processing plant at Condong, via Murwillumbah, is now ready to hit the shelves around the country.
The first line of the new retail product was produced over the weekend.
Sunshine Sugar, as the co-operative brands itself, is the first in the world to install the technology to produce Nucane, a wholesome cane sugar that is rich in antioxidants with a low glycemic index.
The innovative production line is working in partnership with a company called Nutrition Innovation, which in turn is involved with Sydney University.
The process converts raw sugar to a low GI level of 55, retaining the organics, antioxidants and polyphenols that naturally occur in sugar cane.
“Our unique process ensures we have a product that is less processed, less refined and low GI based on World Health Organisation standards,” said Sunshine Sugar CEO Chris Connors.
“Our technology ensures Nucane is very precise and consistent which enables industrial customers to use it in their brands as we can guarantee the exact specification every-time from any mill.”
Nucane has a role to play in fruit juice, canned products, flavoured milks, soy milk, yoghurts, breads, baked goods, ice-cream, confectionary, chocolates, sauces and quick service restaurants.
Mr Chris Connors said, “The NSW sugar industry is focussed on delivering a range of new products that meet the demands of consumers and give returns to our growers. With a worldwide focus on health concerns such as obesity and diabetes, Nucane offers our business the opportunity to manufacture a healthier cane sugar on a scale that makes it widely available and affordable.”
Sunshine Sugar’s Low GI sugar is made using the Nucane process, which was developed in Australia. The brainchild of Dr David Kannar of the Nutrition Innovation Group, this technology applies advanced production methodologies at the sugar milling stage to consistently produce a sugar that retains naturally occurring and beneficial antioxidants.
Nucane is a 100% natural, low GI cane sugar that is more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolised – resulting in a lower and slower rise in blood glucose.
Sunshine Sugar is the only 100 per cent Bonsucro certified and Australian owned sugar operations in the world and is proud to be an Australian company leading the way in this initiative.
