In a world where conscious consumer choices are steering the course of the food industry, the quest for healthier, more sustainable alternatives to conventional sugar is gaining momentum. Coconut sweetener, derived from the sap of coconut trees, is quickly becoming a preferred choice as a healthier and more environmentally friendly sweetener. Often referred to as “nature’s sweetener”, its unique flavor profile, health benefits, and versatility have made it a rising star in the global sweetener market.
The Allure of Coconut Sweetener
Unlike conventional sugar, which often undergoes heavy processing, coconut sweetener is minimally processed, maintaining its natural purity. It is a straightforward product, free from artificial additives or preservatives. Coconut sweetener contains essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and iron, which offer a range of health benefits, including better hydration, improved muscle function, and enhanced blood circulation. The cultivation of coconut trees is far less resource-intensive than the production of conventional sugar cane, making coconut sweetener a more sustainable choice for the environment. Coconut sweetener also boasts a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to other refined sweeteners, making it a preferred option for individuals conscious of their blood sugar levels. It helps in steadying energy levels and avoiding the sharp spikes and crashes associated with high-GI sweeteners.1
Our Expertly Handcrafted Coconut Sweetener
The process begins with a careful selection of coconut trees bearing healthy, unopened inflorescence. These matured buds are gently bent downwards for a week, allowing the precious nectar to now freely, ready for tapping. Once the nectar drips, it is meticulously collected and immediately measured to ensure the required level of acidity. Every drop is treated with care and stored in sterilized containers, ready to embark on its transformational form.
Production from coconut sugar blocks can unnecessarily increase acrylamide levels (classified by the American Cancer Society as a human carcinogen) because in order to change the product’s form from block to granules, recooking the product under heat for an extended period and /or at higher temperature is required. As such, all of IMC’s organic coconut sugar is produced only directly from nectar instead of blocks.
The evaporation process begins once the nectar is altered for any foreign particles from its natural environment and then tested. It is cooked over traditional ovens to remove any bacteria or moisture until thickened into a saturated syrup. The syrup is removed from heat and continued to be stirred until sugar granules are formed. The granulated sugar is stirred and ground further using coconut husks, resulting in finer crystals instead of settling into hardened blocks. This traditional method results in differing granule sizes which are sorted later on through sieving. As this is a handcrafted product, it requires a lot more effort and skill which is passed down through the generations.
The sugar granules are then sieved over an industrial food-grade strainer to further improve particle uniformity and prevent clumping. To improve shelf life and ensure a crisp and free-flowing texture, the sugar is specially transferred onto stainless- steel trays to be further dried in our oven stations.
Finally, it is brought to our factory where sieving and packing are done using magnetic traps to ensure product purity before being weighed and sealed under the most stringent conditions audited by the leading BRCGS Food Safety standards.
IMC Ingredients: A Global Pioneer
IMC stands at the forefront of introducing the world to the numerous benefits of coconut sweetener. At the heart of our journey is a commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. We largely produce our own coconut sweetener, while meticulously preserving the natural surroundings of the coconut trees. This hands-on approach allows us to control the entire process, from cultivation to packaging, guaranteeing the highest standards of quality and sustainability. We also source some of our coconut sweetener from small-scale farmers. Providing training, support, and resources, we actively empower local communities and nurture economic growth within these communities. Through these collaborations, not only we support organic and sustainable agriculture practices but also contribute to the well-being of the people. Representing the legacy of Indonesia’s rich farming heritage, our coconut sweetener embodies a harmonious fusion of nature and dedication.
As we embark on our mission to introduce coconut sweetener to diverse cultures and new markets worldwide, our vision extends beyond just being a supplier of coconut sweetener. We aspire to become a solution to supply chain challenges faced by businesses seeking to meet the evolving demands of their customers.
Recognizing the significance of halal-certified products for our Middle Eastern consumers, we ensure that our products meet the stringent halal standards. This commitment to halal provides assurance of the product’s compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
As a global pioneer, IMC Ingredients inspired to rethink the way we source, produce, and consume ingredients. We believe that every choice we make can contribute to a healthier planet and a more prosperous future for all. With nature and dedication as our guiding principles, we continue to lead the way in transforming the world of ingredients, one step at a time.
For more information visit: www.imc-ingredients.com
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1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9964017/
