Startups @ HSWT | Part 42: Smiling Food – Food Startup Incubator Weihenstephan

In this interview series, HSWT presents startups that are part of the Food Startup Incubator Weihenstephan (FSIWS). The series presents the companies, their product ideas and how they work.

With a unique modular system, the startup Smiling Food replaces sucrose in all its properties 1:1, combining data science, process innovation and application technology with sound gastroenterological and nutritional research. Lisa Reiss, Harald Bogner, Alexandra Schlothmann and Inga Jöst from the Research & Development team reveal the special features of their startup.

FSIWS: How did Smiling Food come about?

Lisa was involved with sugar as a child because her grandmother was a confectioner. When her grandmother became ill with diabetes, Lisa asked herself why sweet baked goods always contain sugar and whether there weren't better solutions. This question motivated them to experiment, but they failed due to side effects, texture and taste. Determined to carry on her grandmother's legacy, she and her team researched sugar-free baked goods. She realized that the existing sugar substitutes were not enough and the challenge was greater than expected. A year later, her goal was to develop an innovative modular system that perfectly mimics the properties of sugar, without the disadvantages of conventional alternatives.

What makes Smiling Food unique in the area of sugar alternatives?”

Smiling Food is developing the world's first modular system for sugar alternatives that can replace sucrose 1:1 in all of its properties. By combining data science, process innovation and application technology with sound gastroenterological and nutritional research, Smiling Food succeeds in precisely imitating sugar without artificial sweeteners and side effects.

Compared to other providers: How does your approach to developing sugar alternatives differ?

Most providers of sugar alternatives only solve partial problems: either the products are sweet but synthetic, have a lack of volume, laxative effects or a high glycemic index. In addition, companies often only focus on individual aspects such as functionality, taste or nutritional value. We take a holistic approach that combines all disciplines to create innovative and comprehensive solutions. We offer a holistic approach that combines data science, process processes, application technology and synergistic effects.

The benefits of sugar alternatives. Smiling Food is developing the world's first modular system for sugar alternatives that can replace sucrose 1:1 in all of its properties.