Determination of Glycaemic Index and Market Potential of Coconut Treacle as an Alternative Sweetener Among Young Adult Population in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the glycaemic index (GI) and market potential of coconut treacle (CT) to assess its probability as a low GI alternative sweetener. A cross-sectional study was performed with 365 undergraduates to assess the market potential via Google Forms. Total sugar content was determined following AOAC guidelines. GI was determined using a standard clinical method in three separate sessions with 30 healthy individuals (18-26 years, 18.5-23.5kg/m2). In session-1, following an 8-hour fasting, blood glucose level (BGL) was measured. Then, participants consumed glucose and BGL was measured at 15^th, 30^th, 45^th, 60^th, 90^th, and 120^th minutes. The same procedure was repeated with CT in session-2 and session-3 (duplication). The majority of students (74.2%) preferred CT and 35.9% liked to consume CT for health benefits. Purity, texture, and taste were identified as important factors influencing purchasing decisions and 52.6% opted for supermarket purchases. More consumers (97%) exhibited adequate knowledge regarding the health attributes of CT and 72.6% perceived that CT can replace refined sugar. The total sugar was 66.68g per 100g and the GI of CT was calculated as 53.6. The study concluded that the CT belonged to the low GI category with a moderate amount of sugar.