Meiji releases functional chocolate containing fructooligosaccharides

The products were reported to the Japan Consumer Affairs Agency as foods with functional claims (FFC) and were launched nationwide on June 11.

Specifically, half of the sugar used in Meiji Oligosaccharide Milk Chocolate 50 and all of the sugar content in Oligosaccharide Milk Chocolate 100 were replaced with FOS, respectively.

FOS are oligosaccharides found in plants like garlic, onions, bananas, asparagus, artichokes, and chicory root. They are believed to provide a variety of health benefits, including lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels and reducing constipation.

Because they are not digestible, FOS do not affect blood glucose levels. They pass through the small intestine to the colon, where they support the growth of good bacteria, including bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria.

Due to its slightly sweet profile and low calorie content, FOS may also be preferable to artificial sweeteners.

“FOS has been reported to increase the number of good bacteria and regulate gut flora, helping to keep the stomach in good shape for people who worry about bowel movements. It is also a carbohydrate that tastes similar to sugar but is not absorbed (by the body) as sugar.

“With this product, consumers can enjoy delicious chocolate while taking care of their health. For those who want to eat it as a daily snack, we recommend the large version (Meiji Oligosaccharide Milk Chocolate 50 Large Bag), which contains 40 pieces” the company said.

Overview of functionality

According to Meiji, the systematic review assessed the effectiveness of FOS consumption in increasing the number of beneficial bacteria, improving gut flora and regulating gut function.

“Studies have shown that a deterioration of intestinal flora not only leads to constipation but also to various diseases. To maintain and improve human health, it is important to support the growth of good bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli.

A search of the scientific literature based on randomized parallel controlled trials and randomized crossover trials dated to December 2021 was performed and two articles meeting the eligibility criteria were selected for analysis.

One of the articles was addressed to the Japanese, which increased the accuracy of the findings.

In both articles, the percentage of bifidobacteria was measured as an indicator of the gut-regulating effect. It was found that FOS consumption caused a significant increase in the number of bifidobacteria compared to the control group.

In the article in which bowel movement frequency and stool characteristics were measured, no significant difference was observed in the between-group comparison for all study participants.

However, stratified analysis showed a significant difference in the number of participants susceptible to constipation between the intervention group and the control group.

Furthermore, the effective dose of FOS has been found to be between 3 g and 10 g per day.

For Meiji Oligosaccharide Milk Chocolate 50, the recommended daily intake is five pieces (25 g), which corresponds to 3 g of FOS.

Similarly, for Meiji Oligosaccharide Milk Chocolate 100, it is recommended to consume three pieces (15 g) of milk chocolate containing 3 g FOS per day.

Overview of functionality​

Overview of functionality