Maliban introduces sugar free biscuit

By Vishmi Wijeratne

Maliban launched its first truly sugar free biscuit, 'Feel Good' after much ado of preparation and testing recently. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sales Marketing, Ravi Jayawardena said that it took three years of research and development to create a sugar free biscuit.

Duvindra Corea, Brand Manager, Maliban, Hettigedara, Nutritionist, Ravi Jayawardena, CEO, Sales and Marketing, Maliban, Sarath De Silva, General Manager, Production, Maliban and Warna Fernando, General Manager , Research and Development, Maliban. Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa. Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa

"It had come to our attention that the modern generation is getting more sugar conscious and are of course more figure conscious. However, controlling food habits and hunger does not come with the need of well being, thus to suit this purpose we designed the sweet sugarless biscuit," he said. Meanwhile, General Manager, Quality Assurance and Research Development, Maliban, Warna Fernando said that to develop the biscuit was a difficult task as it is not just the taste that plays a vital role, but the texture and taste is also equally vital.

"The flavour enhancement, colour and surface development is working as a bulk agent. Thus removing the sugar factor without affecting any of those components, was the hardest part.

However, we managed to use Maltitol for bulking and sweetening and Sucralose sweetener, both are naturally occurring sugar substitutes," Fernando said. In addition to the sweetening, wheat flour, salt, vegetable fat, cereal corn and wheat fibre are also included in the biscuit, The biscuit is filled with fibre and contains 0.5% sugar which abides the regulatory standards for sugar free products of Sri Lanka, Singapore, European Union and United States of America. While this category goes under 'healthy living', it is available at all leading supermarkets and pharmacies. The product comes in two packages, 110g and 220g packs priced at a very nominal price.