Ingredient Transparency

Every ingredient, explained

At Releeese, we believe in clean labels. You deserve to know exactly what you are eating, where it comes from, and why it is there. No hidden fillers. No vague natural flavourings. No unnecessary additives.

The Releeese Ingredients

Each ingredient below includes its natural source and glycaemic index where applicable, a plain description of its role, and its regulatory status. Some ingredients carry authorised EU and UK health claims. Others are approved for sale as foods or novel foods. These are different things and are shown separately. Releeese uses a carefully selected range of lower glycaemic sugars derived from natural sources, alongside other functional ingredients. Individual product labels show the exact ingredients used in each product.

Tagatose

GI 3Non-GMO

Natural source: milk (lactose), fruit

A naturally derived sugar that provides classic sweetness with 60–70% fewer calories than table sugar. With an extremely low glycaemic index of 3 compared to 65 for sucrose and 100 for glucose so it has a minimal impact on blood glucose. It is also tooth-friendly, as it does not ferment dental plaque.

References

EFSA Scientific Opinion — Health claims for D-Tagatose (blood glucose response & tooth mineralisation):

EFSA Journal 2011 — Scientific Opinion on D-Tagatose health claims ↗

EU Authorised Health Claims Register:

EU Register of Authorised Nutrition & Health Claims — search ‘tagatose’ to verify ↗

UK Regulatory References:

FSA GB Novel Foods Register — search ‘tagatose’ to verify ↗UK Nutrition & Health Claims Register — search ‘tagatose’ to verify ↗

Isomaltulose

GI 32Non-GMO

Natural source: sugar beet, honey, sugarcane

Derived from sugar beet, isomaltulose has a low glycaemic index of 32 and is slowly and fully digested in the small intestine, supplying glucose and fructose gradually into the bloodstream. It is not readily fermented by oral bacteria, making it tooth-friendly. It carries authorised EU and UK health claims for blood glucose response and dental health.

References

EFSA Scientific Opinion — Health claims for Isomaltulose (blood glucose response & tooth mineralisation):

EFSA Journal 2011 — Scientific Opinion on Isomaltulose health claims ↗

EU Authorised Health Claims Register:

EU Register of Authorised Nutrition & Health Claims — search ‘isomaltulose’ to verify ↗

UK Regulatory References:

FSA GB Novel Foods Register — search ‘isomaltulose’ to verify ↗EU Union List of Novel Foods ↗UK Nutrition & Health Claims Register — search ‘isomaltulose’ to verify ↗

Trehalose

GI 38Non-GMO

Natural source: mushrooms, plants, yeast

A naturally occurring disaccharide found in mushrooms and certain plants. About half as sweet as table sugar with a glycaemic index of 38, significantly lower than conventional sucrose. Trehalose is authorised as a novel food in Great Britain and is used across a range of food applications for its stability and mildly sweet profile.

References

EU Novel Food authorisation — Commission Decision 2001/721/EC, authorising the placing on the market of trehalose as a novel food ingredient (pre-2021, retained in GB law):

Commission Decision 2001/721/EC — EUR-Lex ↗

EU Union List of Novel Foods ↗

FSA GB Novel Foods Register — search ‘trehalose’ to verify ↗

Galactose

GI 20Non-GMO

Natural source: milk (lactose), fermented dairy, breast milk, fruit and vegetables

A naturally occurring monosaccharide with a glycaemic index of 20 which is 70% lower than conventional sucrose. Galactose is metabolised via the Leloir pathway, a distinct metabolic route from glucose, which is the scientific basis for its lower glycaemic response. It offers a gentle, clean sweetness and is a long-established food ingredient with no separate novel food authorisation required.

References

Naturally occurring sugar with a long history of consumption in the UK and EU prior to May 1997. Not classified as a novel food. No separate authorisation required.

FSA Novel Foods Guidance ↗

European Commission — Novel Food Regulation ↗

Mannose

Non-GMOVery Low GI

Natural source: cranberries, apples, oranges, other fruits

A naturally occurring simple sugar found in many fruits. The body absorbs mannose differently from glucose, resulting in a very low glycaemic impact. It provides mild sweetness and contributes to the balanced flavour profile of the Releeese blend. A long-established food ingredient with no separate novel food authorisation required.

References

Naturally occurring sugar with a long history of consumption in the UK and EU prior to May 1997. Not classified as a novel food. No separate authorisation required.

FSA Novel Foods Guidance ↗

European Commission — Novel Food Regulation ↗

Ribose

Non-GMOVery Low GI

Natural source: all living cells, including plants and yeasts

A naturally occurring pentose sugar present in every living cell. Ribose plays a central role in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and ATP - the body's core energy molecule. It contributes a very mild sweetness and is authorised as a novel food under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/506, retained in GB law.

References

Authorised as a novel food under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/506, retained in GB law:

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/506 — EUR-Lex ↗

EU Union List of Novel Foods ↗

FSA GB Novel Foods Register — search ‘ribose’ to verify ↗

Allulose / Psicose

GI 1Non-GMOUS & Middle East only

Natural source: figs, raisins, maple syrup

A rare sugar naturally found in small amounts in certain fruits. It tastes and behaves like sugar but has almost no usable calories and a glycaemic index of 1. Used in Releeese products sold in the US and Middle East only. Allulose is not currently authorised as a novel food in the UK or EU and is therefore not present in Releeese products sold in these markets.

References

FDA GRAS Designation — Allulose authorised as Generally Recognised as Safe for use in food in the United States — search ‘allulose’ to verify

FDA Guidance — Declaration of Allulose on Nutrition Facts Labels

Other Ingredients

Sunflower Lecithin

A natural plant-based emulsifier chosen instead of soy in order to to keep products cleaner and allergen-friendly. Sunflower lecithin ensures a smooth, indulgent melt without artificial stabilisers.

High-Quality Cocoa

Premium cocoa mass sourced from reputable growers in South America and West Africa. Contributes rich flavour, aroma, and texture. Naturally contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

Vitamin E (Tocotrienol)

A naturally derived antioxidant sourced from plant oils. Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Also helps maintain product freshness naturally.

Soluble Fibre (Corn)

A well-tolerated soluble fibre derived from corn. Provides structure and mouthfeel while contributing dietary fibre. Non-GMO. Releeese dark chocolate meets the standard for "high in fibre."

Why We Don't Use Certain Ingredients

At Releeese, ingredient selection is intentional. Just as important as what we include is what we choose to leave out. Our goal is to create products that deliver great taste, thoughtful formulation and clear ingredient transparency. Below are some of the ingredients commonly found in confectionery that we choose not to use.

Artificial Sweeteners & Sugar Alcohols

At Releeese, we focus on naturally derived sweetening ingredients with a lower glycaemic response than conventional sugar, that provide sweetness while also contributing to texture and structure in the product. Our products do not include any form of:
• acesulfame K (E950)
• aspartame (E951)
• saccharin (E954)
• sucralose (E955)
• neotame
• advantame
• xylitol (E967)
• sorbitol (E420)
• erythritol (E968)

Soy Lecithin

Soy lecithin is widely used as an emulsifier in chocolate.

We instead use sunflower lecithin, which offers the same functionality while avoiding one of the most common food allergens.

Hidden Sugars and Syrups

Many sweets use blends of syrups, glucose concentrates or modified sugars, which may appear under various names on ingredient labels.

We aim for clear, recognisable ingredients so customers can easily understand what is providing sweetness in each recipe.

Unnecessary Additives

Stabilisers, fillers and artificial processing aids are sometimes used to adjust texture or shelf life.

Our formulations prioritise ingredient functionality from natural sources, using only what is necessary to achieve the desired taste and quality.

Highly Processed Sugar Systems

Traditional confectionery often relies on large quantities of refined sugar to provide sweetness and structure.

Releeese recipes are developed using alternative carbohydrate sources with different sweetness profiles and glycaemic characteristics, allowing us to create products with a different carbohydrate profile compared to traditional confectionery.

Want To Understand Lower GI More Broadly?

See our independent science reference page for general education on glycaemic index.

The information above describes the ingredients used in Releeese products and their role in food. It is for general information only and is not medical or nutritional advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the science behind Releeese?

Dr Johannes Coy, discoverer of the TKTL1 gene, researched how sugar is metabolised in the body. Not all sugars are processed the same way. Releeese uses Dr Coy’s research and expertise to create sugars, derived from natural sources, that have a lower glycaemic index compared to conventional sucrose.

What does the "Intelligent Sugar Expert Dr Coy" seal mean?

When you see the Intelligent Sugar Expert Dr Coy seal, you know the product carries real expertise behind it.

Dr Coy has spent decades studying sugars and how they behave. The seal means the product has been formulated using his research, his standards, and the scientific approach he has applied throughout his career.

It is not about a single ingredient or a bold claim. It is a mark of how the product was made, and the thinking that went into it. Science and expertise you can trust.

Are Releeese Sugars natural?

Our sugars are naturally derived from plant and dairy sources, with no artificial sweeteners.

Is Releeese GMO-free?

Yes. All Releeese ingredients are non-GMO.

Are Releeese ingredients responsibly sourced?

We work with suppliers who meet recognised responsible and ethical sourcing standards.

Does Releeese contain artificial sweeteners?

No. Releeese Sugars contain no artificial sweeteners. They are naturally derived from plant and dairy sources.

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