Determination of glycaemic index and market potential of coconut treacle as an alternative sweetener among a selected group of undergraduates in Sri Lanka

The progressing prevalence of diabetes (8.5%) among Sri Lankans, as reported by WHO in 2015, highlights the urgent need to address the contributing dietary factors. Refined sugar, mainly used as a sweetener in Sri Lanka, is one of them. This study aimed to determine the glycaemic index (GI) and market potential of coconut treacle (CT) to assess its probability as a low GI alternative sweetener. Initially, the total sugar content was determined by the Lane-Eynon method (AOAC,2000). GI was determined by standard clinical method as three separate sessions at 3-day intervals among 30 healthy undergraduates (Age: 18-26 years, BMI: 18.5-23.5 kg/m2 ). In session 1, following an 8-hour fasting, blood glucose level (BGL) was measured. Then, participants consumed 50 g glucose (standard) with 150 ml water. BGL was measured after 15ᵗʰ, 30ᵗʰ, 45ᵗʰ, 60ᵗʰ, 90ᵗʰ, and 120ᵗʰ minutes. The same procedure was repeated with 74.9 g CT in session 2 and session 3 (duplication). A cross-sectional study through google forms was performed among 365 undergraduates examining consumers’ consumption habits, preferences, knowledge and perceptions regarding CT. The total sugar content was 66.68 g per 100 g CT. The GI of CT was 53.6. Purity (57.0%), texture (17%) and taste (14%) were identified as important factors influencing purchasing decisions, and 52.6% opted for supermarket purchases. Ninety-seven percent of consumers exhibited adequate knowledge regarding the health attributes of CT, and 35.9% preferred CT for health benefits. The majority of students (74.2%) displayed a genuine interest in including CT in their diets, and 72.6% perceived that CT can replace refined sugar. The study concluded that the CT belonged to the low GI category with a moderate amount of total sugar. However, further studies are recommended to analyze the sugar profile in the CT to determine its association with GI.