SAN DIEGO—Senomyx, Inc., announced its new Sweetmyx flavor ingredient has gained self-affirmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for use as part of a flavor system to maintain the taste in reduced-sugar foods and beverages.

PepsiCo has exclusive rights to use the new flavor worldwide in all non-alcoholic beverages under a collaborative agreement established with Senomyx in August 2010. Firmenich has lifetime rights to commercialize this Sweetmyx flavor for food product categories and alcoholic beverages, with exclusive rights until March 2018.

The GRAS status allows usage of the Sweetmyx flavor ingredient as part of a flavor system in a broad range of non-alcoholic beverages, including carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks, coffee and tea products, and beverage concentrates. Sweetmyx also can be used with alcoholic beverages and a variety of foods, including baked goods, cereals, dairy products, confectionery, snack foods and condiments.

“The new Sweetmyx flavor ingredient will enable the creation of lower-calorie beverages and foods that have reduced sweeteners without sacrificing taste," said John Poyhonen, president and chief executive officer of Senomyx. “We are particularly excited about the versatility of Sweetmyx since it allows for the reduction of either sucrose or fructose in products. Senomyx is fully engaged with our partners as they evaluate potential product opportunities."

Download Food Product Design’s free digital issue “Optimizing Sweetness" to find out how product developers are selecting sweetener systems that deliver the functionality of sugar, as well as its flavor and sweetness intensity.