A Healthier Alternative to Sugar

The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has launched a unique sweetener—spice-flavoured jaggery cubes—designed as a convenient and healthy alternative to refined sugar. Developed by the institute’s Post-Harvest Technology laboratory, these cubes blend the natural sweetness of jaggery with the aromatic punch of traditional Indian spices like ginger, cardamom, and black pepper.

Precision, Convenience, and Full-Flavour

Each jaggery cube weighs about 4 grams, making it ideal for daily use. Unlike traditional jaggery, which is bulky and inconsistent, these cubes dissolve easily in 150 ml of hot water or beverages like tea and coffee. The uniformity ensures precise sweetness and a full-bodied spice experience with every use. IISR’s team designed the product to maximise flavour extraction—achieving 100% spice release, compared to just 40–60% in conventional powdered mixes. Thanks to their low moisture content, the spice-flavoured jaggery cubes remain shelf-stable for up to 8 months at room temperature, provided they’re stored in appropriate packaging. This makes them a reliable, fuss-free option for households and businesses alike.

Tapping into Global Demand for Natural Sweeteners

With the global market shifting toward natural and minimally processed sweeteners, IISR aims to position its jaggery cubes as a versatile product for both domestic and export markets. The rising demand for alternatives to white sugar aligns perfectly with this innovative offering.

From Lab to Market

Director of IISR, R. Dinesh, expressed confidence in the product’s appeal to health-conscious consumers across the globe. The research and development team, led by E. Jayashree, included contributions from research scholar Meera Mohan and scientists Alfya PV, Anees K, P. Rajeev, and C. Sharathambal. At a recent event, Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad officially handed over the technology license to Signature Foods, Thrissur, for commercial production, marking the beginning of its journey from research to retail.

Source: The Hindu Business Line