LINCOLN, NEB. — OatSweet, a new nutritive natural sweetener made from oats, contributes pleasant but subtle caramel and honey notes with a clean finish, according to Lincoln-based Oat Tech, Inc. The company introduced the sweetener in the Engredea ingredients pavilion during National Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif., March 9-11.

OatSweet is functionally similar to brown rice syrup and has comparable binding properties and texture, according to Oat Tech. Potential applications include nutrition bars, cereals, beverages, desserts and baked foods. It is ideal for products destined for the natural foods market and consumer, according to the company.

Ten years of research and development in proprietary natural processes for oat-based ingredients supports OatSweet. Paul J. Whalen, Ph.D., founder and chief executive officer of Oat Tech, invented the patented technology.