(PTFS04-05-25) Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Responses of Fruit Snacks Derived From Cranberry in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare postprandial glucose and insulin excursions after consumption of fruit snacks derived from dried cranberries and raisins against a hard candy control (HCC).

Methods: A randomized crossover human clinical trial was conducted. Twenty-four healthy participants consumed one of six tested snacks in a random order at each visit, with a minimum 3-day washout period. All tested snacks delivered similar total carbohydrate (32-33 g) with varied sugars or fibers per serving. After an overnight fast, venous blood samples were collected to determine glucose and insulin concentrations pre-consumption and 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min of post-consumption of one serving of product. Blood glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC) above baseline was the primary outcome. Blood insulin iAUC and maximum concentration (Cmax) above baseline for glucose and insulin were secondary outcomes.

Results: Fruit snacks derived from cranberry with original sugar level (C-Original) showed similar glucose iAUC above baseline to raisin snacks and there was no significant difference to HCC (p >0.05). However, insulin iAUC, glucose and insulin C_max above baseline for both were significantly lower than HCC (p < 0.05). Polyphenols, fibers and other nutrients in these two fruit snacks may impact blood glucose and insulin concentrations given the similar levels of total carbohydrate and sugar to HCC. Glucose C_max above baseline of the reduced sugar fruit snack derived from cranberry (C-Reduced) was significantly decreased by 25% compared to C-Original (p < 0.05). The zero added sugar fruit snacks derived from cranberry (C-Zero) showed significantly lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin measures compared to all other tested snacks (p < 0.05). There were no reported adverse events related to study products.

Conclusions: Polyphenols, fibers, and other nutrients in fruit snacks may play a role in postprandial blood glucose and insulin modulation besides sugar variance. The C-Zero fruit snacks showed very low postprandial glucose and insulin responses, which can provide alternative nutritional solutions for snacking.

Funding Sources: This research is funded by Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.