HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA) is to introduce its citrose sweetener, a next-generation high intensity sweetener, to European food and beverage manufacturers for the first time at Fi Europe 2026 from 17-19 November. At stand #30C83, the company will demonstrate how the patented, citrus-derived and Upcycled Certified™ sweetener complex can help to deliver a cleaner, more sugar-like sweetness experience in reduced-sugar formulations, according to HTBA.

Alongside citrose, HTBA will showcase OptiTaste™, its flavonoid-powered taste modulation platform for masking, sweetness enhancement and taste balance. HTBA is a leading innovator in citrus flavonoids for food and beverage products.

Taste modulation in four prototypes

Visitors will be able to try the company’s taste modulation solutions in four prototype applications.

The first is a strawberry plant-based protein beverage featuring OptiTaste Mask, which is intended to tackle the off-notes often associated with plant-based proteins and to deliver a cleaner, more balanced flavour profile.

The second, a tropical mango energy drink, puts citrose head-to-head with a conventional sucralose and acesulfame-K system. HTBA says the comparison is designed to demonstrate a smoother, more sugar-like sweetness with less lingering aftertaste.

In a pineapple yoghurt, OptiTaste Sweet is used to bring out sweetness and enhance flavour balance, which the company says helps to reduce sugar while preserving a satisfying taste experience.

The fourth prototype, a BBQ sauce, combines OptiTaste Balance and OptiTaste Sweet. HTBA says the pairing helps to reduce salt while tackling unwanted off-notes and maintaining a rich, rounded flavour profile.

Aimed at developers and buyers

According to HTBA, the example applications show how its portfolio can offer product developers, R&D teams and procurement specialists label-friendly solutions to the ongoing sugar reduction challenge.

• For more information, visit: htba.com