Course:FNH200/Assignments/2024/Course:FNH200/Assignments/2024/Excel vs Aspartame-Free Pur Mints

When it comes to sugarless breath fresheners, products that don’t have artificial sweeteners like aspartame are sought-after. EXCEL Mints and PUR Mints are two popular examples in this category. Both brands come with a variety of flavors and aim to provide refreshments while considering health skeptics. EXCEL Mints is a notable name in the confectionery market and has remained an undisputed leader for years when it comes to minty freshness. Conversely, PUR Mints is proud of its natural ingredients and being without aspartame, unlike other mints that contain this chemical. This analysis will therefore look at the variations between these two products including their constituents, taste, and overall appeal on customers.

Product Photos

	Product Front	Product Back
Excel Spearmint Flavoured Mints
Pur Natural Spearmint Flavoured Mints

Images from Wikimedia Commons can be embedded easily.

Ingredient lists

1. Type out the lists of ingredients
   1. Excel:
      • Sorbitol
      • Magnesium Stearate
      • Natural And Artificial Flavour
      • Acesulfame-potassium
      • Sucralose
      • Colours (with Tartrazine)
      • Aspartame (contains Phenylalanine)
   2. Pur:
      • Xylitol
      • Sorbitol
      • Maize dextrin (fiber)
      • Natural mint flavouring
      • Magnesium stearate
      • Natural spearmint flavouring
2. Identify fat substitutes, sugar substitutes, and/or additives used, if there is any.
   1. Fat Substitutes
   2. Sugar Substitutes
      1. Sorbitol
      2. Xylitol
      3. Sucralose
   3. Additives
      1. Colours (with Tartrazine)
3. Explain the roles of fat substitutes, sugar substitutes, and/or additives used in terms of the functional properties they contribute to the product.

Sugar Substitutes:

1. Sorbitol (Excel and Pur): Present in both Excel and Pur mints, sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that acts as a bulk sweetening agent, providing approximately 60% of the sweetness in sucrose. Sorbitol is less calorific than regular sugar and does not contribute to dental caries, making it suitable for sugar-free products. It also helps to retain moisture and can improve the texture of the product. Sorbitol also does not increase blood glucose or insulin levels, making it suitable for diabetic products. Sorbitol is absorbed slowly in the large intestine, contributing 1.5-3.0 Cal/g, and can cause a laxative effect if consumed in excess. It is commonly used in chewing gums.

2. Xylitol (Pur): Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness similar to sugar but with fewer calories. It also produces a cool, refreshing sensation. Xylitol does not promote tooth decay and does not increase blood glucose or insulin levels. It is absorbed slowly in the large intestine and can also cause a laxative effect in large quantities. Xylitol is used in chewing gums, candies, and oral care products.

3. Sucralose (Excel): Sucralose is a chlorinated molecule where three hydroxyl groups of sucrose are replaced by chlorine. It is 600 times sweeter than sucrose and is not metabolized by the human body, contributing 0 Cal/g. Sucralose is heat stable, retains its sweetness over a wide range of temperatures and storage conditions, and does not support the growth of oral bacteria.

4. Acesulfame-Potassium (Excel): Acesulfame-K is a non-caloric sweetener that provides a synergistic sweetening effect when combined with other sweeteners. It is 200 times sweeter than sucrose and not metabolized by the body. Acesulfame-K is heat stable and has a high degree of stability over a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. It is not fermented by oral bacteria, making it suitable for products that do not promote tooth decay and useful in diet and sugar-free products. Although aspartame is not listed as one of the ingredients, the presence of the statement "Aspartame Contains Phenylalanine" indicates that the Acesulfame-K is most likely combined with aspartame.

Additives:

1. Magnesium Stearate (Excel and Pur): Used in both products, magnesium stearate acts as a lubricant and anti-caking agent. It prevents the mints from sticking together and ensures they maintain their shape.

2. Colours (with Tartrazine) (Excel): Present in Excel mints, these artificial colours enhance the visual appeal of the product, making it more attractive to consumers.

-Compare and contrast the lists of the two products and explain differences-

Excel Spearmint Flavoured Mints:

Ingredients: Sorbitol, Magnesium Stearate, Natural and Artificial Flavour, Acesulfame-potassium, Sucralose, Colours (with Tartrazine), Aspartame (Contains Phenylalanine).

Sweeteners: Uses a combination of sugar alcohols (sorbitol) and high-intensity artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) for a balanced sweetness profile.

Additives: Contains artificial colors for visual appeal and aspartame, which requires a phenylalanine warning for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU).

Pur Natural Spearmint Flavoured Mints:

Ingredients: Xylitol, Sorbitol, Maize Dextrin (fiber), Natural Mint Flavouring, Magnesium Stearate, Natural Spearmint Flavouring.

Sweeteners: Primarily uses natural sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol, emphasizing natural sweetness and dental health benefits.

Additives: Avoids artificial colours and high-intensity artificial sweeteners, focusing on natural flavourings and including dietary fiberfor added health benefits.

Comparison and Differences:

Sweeteners: Both products use sorbitol, but Pur mints focus more on xylitol for its additional dental benefits and natural properties. Excel mints use a variety of artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame potassium) for a different sweetening profile.

Flavoring: Pur mints use natural mint flavors, appealing to consumers who prefer natural ingredients. Excel mints combine natural and artificial flavours, which might offer a consistent taste but may be less appealing to those seeking natural products.

Additives: Excel mints include artificial colours and aspartame, while Pur mints avoid these, potentially attracting more health-conscious consumers. Pur mints also incorporate maize dextrin, adding fiber content.

Labels

Requirements	EXCEL	PUR
Bilingual Labelling	✓ - English and French	✓ - English and French
Common Name	Mints	Sugar-Free Mints with Sweetener
Country of Origin	Canada	Turkey
Date Marking & Storage Instructions	N/A - greater then 90 day shelf life	N/A - greater then 90 day shelf life
Identity and Principal Place of Business	Mars Canada Inc., PO Box 640, Bolton, Ontario L7E 5T5	The PUR Company Inc. Toronto, Ontario, M3J 3E5
Irradiated Foods	N/A	N/A
Legibility & Location	✓	✓
List of Ingredients	Not provided	✓
Nutrition Facts	✓	✓
Net Quantity	34 grams	30 grams
Sweeteners	Phenylalanine statement included	N/A
Other Mandatory Information

As mints have "a shelf life greater than 90 days", both products do not have any date markings or storage instructions. The Excel mints do not display a list of ingredients. Although aspartame is not listed as one of the ingredients for Excel mint, the phenylalanine statement as required by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is shown.

References

This Food Science resource was created by Course:FNH200.