Sweeteners have key role in sports drinks formulation

The use of low and no calorie sweeteners in the food industry is rising rapidly. However one product area that has always relied on the use of sweeteners is in the formulation of sports drinks, says Professor John Brewer.

Speaking with FoodNavigator, John Brewer professor of sport and sports science at the University of Bedford, UK, said that sweeteners play a vital role in creating the perfect balance between taste, fuel and hydration in a sports drink.

"Sweeteners are an ideal way or maintaining the taste, maintaining the science in the formulation, but at the same time not increasing the calories of the drink which – which could otherwise result in reducing the weight loss benefits of exercise,” explained Brewer.

Prof. Brewer will be speaking in depth on the role of sweeteners in sports drinks formulation at the upcoming International Sweeteners Association conference in Brussels. For more information about the coming conference, please click here.