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Sweet protein produced by “EFKO”: what do consumers think?

26.03.2025
Sweet protein produced by “EFKO”: what do consumers think?
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Sweet protein produced by “EFKO”: what do consumers think?
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Is it possible to reduce the amount of sugar in food products and save their taste at the same time? One of the solutions is the innovative ingredient named a sweet protein. Do consumers know about it and do they like such confections? We conducted a survey where asked consumers to express their opinion on this topic.

 

“A sweet protein – does it exist?”

 

“I’ve heard something about it but don’t clearly understand what it is.”

 

The survey was conducted within the framework of the “PRODEXPO 2025” international exhibition. More than a hundred people of different ages and professions took part in it. The participants tasted the candy, which contained a sweet protein, then they filled out a questionnaire and shared their impressions.

 

A sweet protein is an innovative ingredient, a novel and safe sugar alternative. Its sweetness is a thousand times higher than the sweetness of ordinary sugar, while it does not bring in calorific value to food products, since it is used in very small amounts. The clinical study conducted in 2024 confirmed that a sweet protein does not increase blood glucose levels and does not contribute to accumulation and deposition of fat.

 

Sweet proteins were first discovered in tropical plants but their amount there was minimal. Consequently, in close cooperation with Russian scientists, “EFKO” has developed its own manufacturing technology, which makes it possible to obtain these ingredients in the volume that the food industry needs.

 

The majority of participants (around 90%) liked the taste of candies with a sweet protein. A third of respondents suppose that the candies have the same taste as those with ordinary sugar.

 

“It tastes like classic chocolate candies” – said respondents.

 

“Very soft candies, instantly melt in a mouth. Rich and intense taste. The texture is very pleasant."

 

“It doesn't feel like there's no sugar here at all. As a person who has had health problems, I can say it is important to reduce sugar in the diet. If this candy really doesn’t increase blood glucose level and doesn’t spoil the figure, then this is a real miracle.”

 

“It’s interesting to be one of the first people to try this new product. If I pretend to be a so-called sugar sommelier, I won’t believe there is no sugar in it.”

 

“Generally, I prefer to avoid sugar consumption, but sometimes I can’t. It’s great that I can forget about these limitations with such candies. And another good thing, there won't be a pang of conscience for health and figure spoilage.”

 

Half of the respondents consume sweets every day. Most of them said they were aware of the implications of sugar consumption. The main ones are diabetes and obesity. 70% of respondents believe that these diseases are turning into an epidemic, because the number of people with such diagnoses is increasing in alarming proportions. The worldwide trend towards sugar withdrawal has begun to be supported even at the state level. For example, the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages has been implemented in Russia since 2023.

 

An average sugar consumption per person in Russia is 43 kg. This is 25 kg more than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends.

 

A sweet protein is a real solution for sweet stuff lovers, because just 1 gr of it can replace up to 1 kg of sugar. A sweet protein is a certified product and it continues its way in the world of food ingredients. Now candies with a sweet protein from our “EFKO ART” confectionery can be ordered by any resident of such cities as: Moscow, Voronezh, Belgorod and Alekseevka.

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Dear partners!

In order to improve EFKO products and quality of service, as well as to better meet your needs, we ask you to answer a few questions.

In the Alekseevskaya Sloboda of the Belgorod province, where in the late 1820s, sunflower oil was produced for the first time in the Russian Empire, and the first oil mill in Russia was built.

During the years of the First World War, and then the Civil War, production was completely stopped. The restoration of the plant began only in 1923. The main focus of its work remained the processing of coriander and anise. In 1936, the second oil extraction plant in all of Russia was built in Alekseevka. Later, both enterprises were merged into one of the largest essential oil extraction complexes in the Soviet Union.

During the Great Patriotic War, the complex was almost destroyed. Restoration work, which began in 1943, continued until the end of 1948. In the post-war period, comprehensive reconstruction was carried out on many sections using the latest technological advancements. By the 1970s, the Alekseevsky essential oil extraction complex produced up to 80% of the world's coriander oil. For its achievements in production development, the development and implementation of advanced technology, by decree of August 14, 1972, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR awarded the plant the Order of the Badge of Honor.

Unfortunately, in the 1990s, the enterprise that brought fame and wealth to the people of Alekseevka fell into decline and practically collapsed. The revival of the enterprise began in 1994 with the arrival of a new team and the creation of the EFCO Group.

The enterprise underwent large-scale modernization of production and established a new management system. The company decided to return to its roots and resume the production of sunflower oil. Later, EFCO expanded the range and volume of products.

In 2002, a new business direction was opened, and the most modern plant for the production of specialized fats and margarines for the food industry, EFCO Food Ingredients, was launched in the city of Alekseevka, Belgorod region. A scientific and production laboratory was established at the plant, equipped to control product quality at all stages of production and conduct in-depth scientific research.

In 2002–2003, EFCO technologists mastered the most environmentally friendly process of vegetable oil processing – the 'dry' fractionation method, applied the technology of physical refining of oils and fats, and managed to create Russia's first cocoa butter substitute 'Ecolad,', milk fat substitute 'Ecolact,', solid confectionery fat 'Ekond,', soft confectionery fat 'Ekonfe,', universal margarines 'Ecouniversal,', frying shortenings 'Ecofri,', and the first domestic fats with minimal trans-isomers content – confectionery fats 'Econat.'

In 2005, the R&D center of the fats and oils division was created based on EFCO Food Ingredients, consisting of the Applied Research Center and the Pilot Plant Department. The center’s specialists are engaged in developing and testing fat products for healthy eating lines and innovative recipes, taking into account the needs of manufacturers.

In 2006, the company was the first in Russia to successfully pass an audit for compliance with the quality and safety requirements of the BRC (Global Standard for Food Safety) and the International Food Standard (IFS).

In 2008, the second plant for the production of specialized fats and margarines was launched in the port of Taman in the Krasnodar Territory, and the only deep-water sea terminal for food cargo in Russia was built.

The following year, the plant successfully passed certification for compliance with the quality and safety requirements of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the International Food Standard (IFS). International auditors awarded the company the highest compliance level – Grade AA.

In 2014, the company’s technologists created the first domestic equivalent of cocoa butter.

In 2015, the EFCO Group launched a project to create a unique fats and oils cluster in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Thanks to production modernization and the transfer of global technologies, the production of specialized fats and margarines meeting the highest international standards was established in a short time.

In 2016, EFCO opened its fourth site for the production of specialized fats and margarines at the Evdakovsky fats and oils plant in the Voronezh region.

In 2021, production capacity at the Taman port facility was increased – launching the world's first 'million-ton plant' for the production of specialized fats and margarines.

In 2023, the company launched the only shea nut processing plant in Russia.

Thanks to R&D and significant investments by domestic producers in developing their own infrastructure, primarily by EFCO, the share of imported producers in the Russian food ingredients market has decreased from 49% to 9% over the past 15 years and continues to decline.

Almost 200 years later, Alekseevka remains the largest center for vegetable oil processing in the country.

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