삼양사 Samyang Specialty

Samyang Corporation Achieves First Novel Food Approval for Allulose in China

- First non-Chinese manufacturer among allulose producers to receive regulatory approval

- Plans to expand market presence by offering allulose-based solutions amid rising demand for low-sugar and low-calorie products

■Photo: Logos of China’s NHC and CFSA, and Samyang’s Nexweet® Allulose brand logo

Samyang Corporation (CEO: Nakhyun Choi) announced on the 22nd that its next-generation sweetener brand, Nexweet® Allulose, has officially been approved as a Novel Food in China.

China’s Novel Food system is administered by the National Health Commission (NHC) and the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA), which evaluate the safety of ingredients not previously used in foods before authorizing them as food ingredients. The NHC recently determined that Samyang’s allulose is identical in composition and safety to the allulose previously recognized as a Novel Food in China, and therefore granted official approval. This marks a significant milestone, achieved nearly three years after Samyang’s application in August 2022, and represents the first case of approval granted to a non-Chinese manufacturer among allulose producers.

With this approval, Samyang can now directly supply allulose to China—one of the largest consumer markets in Asia—and has also opened the way for Korean companies’ products containing Nexweet® Allulose to be exported to China. In addition, noting the rapid growth in demand for low-sugar and low-calorie foods in the Chinese market, Samyang plans to strengthen collaboration with local food companies and actively provide solutions utilizing allulose to expand its market reach.

Previously, Samyang secured regulatory approvals for allulose in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, steadily expanding its global supply network. Building on its entry into China, the company plans to accelerate its efforts to penetrate low-sugar markets in North America and Asia, while pursuing additional food ingredient approvals in Japan, Europe, and other regions.

Allulose is almost zero-calorie alternative sweetener that provides about 70% of the sweetness of sugar. With a taste profile similar to fructose, it is widely used in beverages, sauces, ice cream, and dairy products. When heated, it undergoes caramelization similar to sugar, helping to enhance the flavor of foods.

“Passing China’s rigorous regulatory review demonstrates recognition of Samyang’s technological excellence and product safety,” said Nakhyun Choi, CEO of Samyang Corporation. “This achievement further solidifies our position as a leading global sugar-reduction solution provider. Building on this milestone and the worldwide popularity of K-Food, we will continue to expand the global export of allulose.”

Meanwhile, Samyang has participated in major international food exhibitions this year, including NPEW (U.S.), IFIA (Japan), IFT (U.S.), and FFA (Australia), showcasing its specialty food ingredients—such as allulose and prebiotics—and its solution capabilities utilizing these ingredients.