Novonesis launches Optiva® LS Prime to help bakers cut sugar by up to 50%

DENMARK – Novonesis, a global leader in biosolutions, has announced the launch of Optiva® LS Prime, an innovative enzyme solution designed to help bakers reduce added sugar by up to 50% without compromising the sweetness or quality of baked goods.

This breakthrough product addresses the baking industry’s challenge of soaring sugar prices, which have increased by more than 50% since 2019, squeezing profit margins worldwide.

According to Novonesis, Optiva® LS Prime works by converting starch into sugar during the baking process, allowing formulators and bakers to maintain the desired sweetness with significantly less added sugar.

This enzymatic approach reduces dependency on sugar, one of the most volatile and costly raw materials, enabling bakeries to better manage fluctuating ingredient costs and supply chain complexities without altering existing production equipment or bread improvers.

The innovation hits a critical market need as nearly half of consumers prioritize cost and quality when purchasing bread, while 72% express concern over rising everyday expenses. Sensory testing confirms that baked goods made with Optiva® LS Prime deliver the same high sensory quality that consumers expect, ensuring no compromise on taste or texture.

Adam Benjamin Vestergaard Diggle, Head of Baking at Novonesis, stated that the new innovation

 “With ongoing raw material cost increases and consumer demand for affordable, high-quality baked goods, bakers face tough decisions. Optiva® LS Prime offers a robust solution that reduces reliance on sugar while preserving sweetness and quality, improving profit margins and meeting consumer expectations.“

Optiva® LS Prime builds on the success of Novonesis’ original Optiva® LS, which already enabled bakeries to reduce sugar by at least 30%, offering significant cost savings and operational simplicity. The new formulation further enhances sugar reduction potential, helping bakeries navigate volatile markets more effectively.

Novonesis continues to lead in baking biosolutions, delivering innovations that support sustainable, cost-effective production while meeting evolving consumer preferences for healthier and affordable food options.

For bakers and formulators seeking to optimize recipes, reduce costs, and maintain product excellence, Optiva® LS Prime represents a timely and impactful advancement in baking technology.

Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.