School:  Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Category: Breakfast, Nutracetical, Spreadable

Short description: A tasty and functional compote, 100% made with fruits and aloe-gel (no added sugars or additives).

From a traditional perspective, the product belongs to the category “fruit compotes”, because its content of fruit is equal or higher than 65% and hence with lower amount of sugars. In the specific case, the amount of added sugars is null and the product has only the natural sugars present in sultanina dried grape and in plums. This is possible because aloe gel complex polysaccharides help to achieve the desired texture and stability in the final product. Consequently, no additives are required and the product is much more than just a compote, being also a functional food rich in soluble fiber (i.e. the bioactive polysaccharides from Aloe gel) and natural antioxidants. The presence of Aloe leaf gel is highly innovative and, while having an important health-promoting effect, confers a reduced glycemic index as compared to other compotes or jams already on the market. Indeed, traditional compotes and jams typically use either sugars or pectin as ingredients to achieve both texture and stability. Given its features, the product appears to be a low-calories healthy food, suitable also for people who need a low-energy diet style (i.e. low in sugars and fats), for vegetarians/vegans as well as for people who suffers from celiac disease.