Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Scientists Create Low-Calorie Natural Sugar
Scientists have found a special sugar called tagatose that tastes almost like regular sugar but has fewer calories and doesn't make your blood sugar go up quickly.
This is great for people who have diabetes or are sensitive to sugar.
The scientists used tiny bacteria to make a lot of this sugar in a cheap and easy way.
Tagatose is also good for your teeth and can be used in baking.
The scientists think this sugar could be used more in the future and might be worth a lot of money.
Scientists have developed tagatose, a natural sugar that is 92% as sweet as sucrose but has only one-third of the calories.
Tagatose has a minimal impact on blood glucose levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes or insulin sensitivity.
Researchers engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to produce tagatose efficiently using a newly discovered enzyme from slime mold.
The production method achieved yields of up to 95%, which is significantly higher than current methods.
Tagatose is tooth-friendly, can withstand baking temperatures, and has potential for wider commercial use.
- Who
- Researchers from Tufts University, Manus Bio, and Kcat Enzymatic
- What
- Developed a low-calorie natural sugar called tagatose
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Tufts University, Manus Bio (US), Kcat Enzymatic (India)
- Why
- To offer a healthier alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners
- Sugar Name
- Tagatose
- Sweetness
- 92% as sweet as sucrose
- Calories
- One-third of sucrose
- Impact on Blood Glucose
- Minimal
- Production Yield
- Up to 95%
- Researchers
- Tufts University, Manus Bio, Kcat Enzymatic
- Publication
- Cell Reports Physical Science
- Market Projection
- $250 million by 2032
