Allulose, a low-calorie sugar substitute, has been making headlines due to its regulatory journey across various countries. While it has gained approval in several regions, the process for wider acceptance, especially in the European Union (EU), is ongoing.

In the United States, allulose has been recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA since 2012. This means it can be used as a sweetener in food and beverages without being classified as sugar for nutritional labeling purposes. The FDA allows it to be excluded from the total sugars and added sugars calculations on labels, which is a significant advantage for manufacturers looking to promote lower-calorie products.

In Mexico, Singapore, Colombia, and Chile, allulose is also approved for use as a food ingredient【55 source】. However, Canada has not yet included allulose in its list of permitted sweeteners, which poses a barrier for companies wishing to market it there【56 source】.

In the EU, allulose is classified as a "novel food," which means it requires authorization from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) before it can be sold. A newly formed consortium, the Allulose Novel Food Consortium (ANFC), comprising major ingredient companies, aims to navigate this regulatory landscape by submitting a joint application for allulose's approval【53 source】【54 source】. This consortium plans to pool safety data and streamline the application process, though it is still uncertain whether additional studies will be needed【56 source】. The timeline for potential approval could span two to three years after submission【53 source】【54 source】.

As the global demand for healthier sugar alternatives grows, allulose's unique properties—such as having only 0.4 calories per gram and a taste profile similar to sugar—make it an appealing choice for both consumers and manufacturers【53 source】【54 source】【56 source】. The ongoing regulatory efforts reflect the industry's push to meet consumer preferences while addressing sugar reduction goals.