FDA Exempts Tagatose from Added Sugar Labeling, Sparking Market Interest
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially exempted the low-calorie sweetener tagatose from ‘added sugar’ labeling requirements on food products, marking a significant victory for Virginia-based startup Bonumose. This change comes after a prolonged battle between Bonumose and the FDA regarding how tagatose is represented on Nutrition Facts panels.
The Struggle for Acceptance
Despite rising interest in tagatose as a sugar alternative, its classification as ‘added sugar’ has hindered food manufacturers from integrating it into their products. Bonumose argues that the new exemption will make tagatose a more appealing option for manufacturers due to its sweetness, which is comparable to that of sugar, while offering just 38% of the calories.
Legal Tactics Lead to Change
In 2022, the FDA had previously denied Bonumose’s request for the exemption, despite recognizing tagatose’s numerous health benefits, including improved glycemic control and a reduced risk of dental caries. Following this denial, Bonumose took legal action, asserting that the FDA’s decision was arbitrary and capricious. In 2024, a court ruled in Bonumose’s favor, leading to the FDA’s recent policy reversal.
FDA’s New Position on Tagatose
In a letter dated November 2025, the FDA announced it would exercise enforcement discretion regarding the labeling of tagatose. This means tagatose will no longer be included in the ‘added sugars’ and ‘total sugars’ declarations on Nutrition Facts labels. The FDA also recognized tagatose’s lower caloric value—1.5 calories per gram compared to regular sugar’s 4 calories—and confirmed its benefits as non-cariogenic and having a low glycemic index.
Market Implications
Bonumose’s CEO, Ed Rogers, welcomed the decision, noting a surge of interest in tagatose due to its health advantages. “The confusion caused by its classification had kept tagatose off the market,” he stated, emphasizing that consumers should receive a clearer message about its benefits.
ASR Group, a company that partners with Bonumose for distribution, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the FDA’s decision has generated significant market interest. Bonumose is now focused on massively increasing its tagatose production capacity, which began in late 2022, and has plans to enhance scalability through a cooperation agreement with Roquette in 2024.
Tagatose: A Sweet Alternative
Tagatose is a naturally occurring sugar found in various foods. However, commercial production has typically relied on lactose, making it costly for manufacturers. Bonumose has developed a patented method using maltodextrin, which promises to lower production costs and elevate tagatose from a niche product to a mainstream sweetener.
Health Benefits and Future Prospects
Jim Kappas, VP of specialty ingredients at ASR Group, emphasized that the FDA’s decision opens up opportunities across various food and beverage sectors. The sweetener is known for its low glycemic index and beneficial effects on gut health, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and the production of short-chain fatty acids.
In conclusion, with the FDA’s recent ruling, tagatose is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of sweeteners in the market, appealing to consumers seeking healthier alternatives.
